Boxing

Former promoter Duff dies aged 84

ESPN staff

March 22, 2014

Mickey Duff worked with the likes of Frank Bruno and Joe Calzaghe © Getty Images

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Former boxing promoter Mickey Duff has passed away at the age of 84.

Born Monek Prager in Poland, Duff moved to England in the late 1930s and enjoyed a brief career as an amateur and a professional before retiring at the age of 19.

Duff made his name as a matchmaker and manager, however, being involved with a succession of world champions and most of the best British fighters of their generation including Frank Bruno, Joe Calzaghe, Alan Minter, John Conteh, Terry Downes, Lloyd Honeyghan and Jim Watt.

He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame after retiring in 1999.

Sorry to hear that Mickey Duff died today RIP Legendary promoter.
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) March 22, 2014

Sad to hear the news that Mickey Duff has passed away aged 84 RIP. A giant of boxing in a different era #boxing
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) March 22, 2014

Just getting the news about Mickey Duff passing. Met him on a few occasions, Left his mark on the game & was the main man for decades #RIP
— Audley Harrison MBE (@audley_Harrison) March 22, 2014

A statement from Stephen Powell on the London Ex Boxers' Association website said: "The London Ex Boxers Association offer their heartfelt condolences to the family of Mickey Duff, who very sadly passed away peacefully in his sleep early this morning.

"This truly is the end of a golden era in British Boxing, the mould has been broken, there will never be another "true boxing man" like Mickey Duff."

ESPN staff