Joe Cortez, born on October 13, 1943, in New York City, embarked on his journey in boxing long before earning acclaim as a respected referee. As a former amateur boxer boasting an impressive record of 43 wins and 2 losses, Cortez secured victory in six Golden Gloves tournaments before transitioning to the professional circuit in 1963, where he achieved an admirable 18-1 record before retiring in 1971.

Returning to New York in 1976 after residing in Puerto Rico, Cortez seamlessly transitioned into refereeing amateur matches. His impeccable judgment and commitment to fairness quickly garnered attention from the boxing elite. In 1982, he officiated his first world title bout, overseeing the electrifying clash between WBA junior welterweight champion Aaron Pryor and challenger Miguel Montilla, culminating in Pryor's victorious 12th round TKO.

Since then, Cortez has become one of the sport's most esteemed figures, presiding over more than 160 title bouts with characteristic poise and precision. Notable matchups in his portfolio include Tyson vs. Holmes, Duran vs. Barkley, and Bowe vs. Holyfield I, where he shared the ring with luminaries like James Toney, Naseem Hamed, and Bernard Hopkins, earning admiration from fighters and fans alike.

Known for his mantra of "Fair But Firm," Cortez's influence extends beyond the ring to the silver screen, where he has appeared as a referee in blockbuster films such as Rocky Balboa and Play It To The Bone. Today, we sit down with Joe Cortez to explore the highlights and challenges of his unparalleled career, reflecting on his enduring legacy and his unwavering dedication to the sport that has defined his life.