Promoter Gary Shaw Dies At 79 And Leaves Behind A Massive Boxing Legacy
Gary Shaw, the prominent boxing promoter, died on Thursday, and he leaves behind an impressive legacy having promoted some of the biggest fighters and bouts of the modern era.
The news of Shaw’s death was announced by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, who said: “Boxing has lost a very dear person today. Gary Shaw has passed away. Our condolences go to Judy and the kids. I will always remember Gary with his unique smile, fun character and passion for boxing.”
Many influential figures from the world of boxing have since paid tribute to Shaw. Hall of Fame announcer Michael Buffer wrote on social media: “My good friend of 30+ years, Gary Shaw has passed away. His humor and style was infectious and memorable! R.I.P. Dear Friend w/Love & Respect.”
Fellow promoter Lou DiBella, who promotes the likes of Regis Prograis and George Kambosos, left his own tribute on social media when he wrote: “Saddened to hear about Gary Shaw. Spent a lot of time together before he exited #boxing and we shared a lot of laughs and meals. Love to the Shaw family.”
Tributes Paid To Shaw
The Sauerland brothers, Kalle and Nisse – the influential British promoters also posted on X, writing: “We did so many great events together none less than those in the Super Six. Gary we loved to argue and then make up and laugh and then do it all again…. will never forget the great times together. Rest in Peace Gary Shaw – you will be sorely missed.”
Shaw also made a brief foray into professional MMA and was the president of EliteXC, which held 20 events between February 2007 and October 2008. It was the company that gave Cris Cyborg her big break, and the legendary MMA star posted her own tribute. S
“RIP Gary Shaw,” the Brazilian wrote on social media. “He was the first MMA promoter to give me my opportunity to fight in the USA with Elite XC.”
The tributes paid to Shaw are testament to his enormous impact on boxing. Through his company Gary Shaw Productions, Shaw promoted some of the biggest names in boxing, including world champions Timothy Bradley, Shane Mosely, Diego Corrales, and Winky Wright.
Promoter Behind Corrales v Castillo
In total, Shaw promoted or co-promoted 175 boxing events between his first event in September 2002 and his final fight in June 2015 – a middleweight title fight between Miguel Cotto and Daniel Geale in Brooklyn, New York.
Of all the events he and his company promoted, it was arguably the bout between Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo in 2005 that will be the best remembered; the unified lightweight title fight in Las Vegas is one of the greatest bouts in boxing history.
Prior to setting up his own company, Shaw worked as the COO of Main Events, also being centrally involved in some of boxing’s biggest ever events, including the heavyweight showdown between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson in 2002.
Before stepping in to the promotions game, Shaw was involved in boxing as an appointed inspector to the New Jersey Athletic Commission, where he spent 28 years.
Shaw’s legacy will live on through the historic events he created and promoted, and for his life dedicated to the sport of boxing.
