Biography
Joe Cortez, born on October 13, 1943, in New York City, is a retired American professional boxer and renowned boxing referee. He started his professional boxing career in 1958 and fought predominantly in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Cortez achieved notable success in the ring, capturing the WBA World Lightweight title in 1974 and becoming a prominent figure in the sport during the 1970s.
Recognized for his skillful fighting style, Cortez amassed a professional record of 39 wins, 17 losses, and 1 draw, with 26 of those victories coming by knockout. His boxing career featured significant bouts against esteemed opponents, including Ken Buchanan and Esteban De Jesús. After retiring from boxing in the early 1980s, Cortez transitioned into officiating, where he garnered a reputation for his fairness and expertise in the ring.
As a referee, Joe Cortez officiated numerous world-title fights and played a critical role in shaping the standards of boxing officiating. His contributions to the sport have been acknowledged with various accolades and honors, including his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011. Cortez remains a respected figure in the boxing community, celebrated for both his athletic achievements and his commitment to maintaining integrity within the sport.