Fight Promoter Dan Duva Dies at 44 From Cancer

Dan Duva, a major boxing promoter for almost 20 years, died Tuesday following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 44.

Duva had been admitted to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York Sunday.

As the head of Main Events, a family enterprise, Duva promoted or co-promoted more than 100 world championship bouts, including 12 heavyweight title fights that accounted for more than $300 million in gross revenue.

Duva was one of boxing’s dominant promoters, along with Bob Arum and Don King. Those who have fought under the Main Events banner include Pernell Whitaker, Evander Holyfield, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns and Lennox Lewis.

“Dan was a terrific guy, a good promoter and good man,” Arum said. “Boxing business will really miss him. Dan had a good staff and a good organization, and they will be able to carry on. But replacing a guy like Dan will not be easy.”

Dino Duva, Dan’s younger brother, has been Main Events’ chief for the past year. Dan’s father, Lou, has long worked with Main Events fighters as a manager and trainer.

Dan Duva founded Main Events as a small family business and began making his mark in boxing in the late 1970s by showcasing fighters who at the time were relatively unknown.

Duva was involved in the three Holyfield-Riddick Bowe fights, which grossed more than $100 million in pay-per-view revenue.

Survivors, in addition to his father and brother, include his wife, Katherine, daughters Lisa and Nicole, son Bryan and sisters Donna Brooks, Denise MacPhail and Deanne Boorman.