Joe Cortez Speaker Biography

Joe Cortez is a Major Boxing Championship Referee.  He has refereed over 170 World Title Championship fights.  “I am Fair but Firm”, a quote trademarked by Cortez, has become iconic to the world of boxing.  

The love of Joe Cortez stands firm to many in boxing, as well as locally in Las Vegas. “Boxing has afforded me a spot in the limelight, and I intend to use the opportunity to help set a good role model to the youth and minorities and help wherever I can,” Joe replied during an interview with a leading magazine.

Joe Cortez is famous for his refereeing for the fights Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran, Floyd Mayweather,  Amir Khan, Oscar De La Hoya, Julio Caesar Chavez, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, George Foreman and Lennox Lewis, Marcos Maidana, Canelo Alvarez, Josesito Lopez, Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe and many other boxing legends.

Joe Cortez was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in November 1998.  In 2011, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.  Cortez serves as an analyst for ESPN Sports and does training on the side, including for the late Manny Pacquiao. 

He appeared in Rocky Balboa, as the referee. Cortez was also in I Spy with Eddie Murphy and Play it to the Bone with Antonio Banderas and Woody Harrelson.  

Joe Cortez offers audiences motivation, insight on the business of boxing, and the experience of working with legendary athletes of their time.  He is one of the greatest of all time and his charm and perseverance will inspire all audiences.