Promoter Dan Goosen passes away at 64

paul_williams_dan_goossen_and_kermit_cintron_48928

Longtime boxing promoter Dan Goossen died early Monday morning from complications due to liver cancer at the age of 64.

The grim news was announced Monday from on official statement from the Goosen family, in a week that was to see Goossen turn 65 on Friday.

“It is with overwhelming regret that we announce the passing of Dan Goossen, 64, from complications relating to liver cancer. The sudden news of his diagnosis was very much a private matter and his final days were spent surrounded by his family and closest friends. Sadness is difficult to escape as we grieve his passing, however we are filled with pride by the fact that Dan Goossen battled this aggressive illness with boundless strength and the last days of his life were fought and lived with unflinching bravery, pure love and grace beyond measure.”

Over the last year or so Goossen was in the news mostly for his legal battle with one of his contracted fighters, super middleweight champion Andre Ward, and despite the conflict between the two, Ward still sent out his condolences.

“I was deeply saddened to learn the news of Dan Goossen’s passing early this morning,” Ward said in a released statement. “My thoughts and prayers have been with Dan and his family since I received the news of his illness last week. While Dan and I recently had our professional struggles, he was a great man, father and husband. He will be greatly missed by the boxing community. I will continue to keep the Goossen family in my prayers.”

The Boxing Writers Association of America (An organization this writer is a member of) remembered Goossen not only for his work in the sport, but for his fashion sense a well.

“It is with great sadness and regret that the BWAA acknowledges the passing of boxing promoter Dan Goossen.  Goossen, 64, passed away following a private battle with cancer.  A larger than life personality, Goossen was as known for his colorful suits as he was for the decades worth of high profile fights that he promoted.  He worked with everyone from Gabriel and Rafael Ruelas to Michael Nunn and Terry Norris to current super middleweight champion Andre Ward.  The thoughts and condolences of the BWAA are with the Goossen family at this time.”

Goossen’s career started in when he founded Ten Goose Boxing , then he worked with America Presents and Top Rank during his career, but eventually he eventually created the company that he was with now, Goossen Promotions (formerly Goossen-Tutor Promotions) with his brother Joe Goossen.

Promotiong some notable names besides Ward during his decades-long career, including, Mike Tyson, Davis Tua, Paul Williwma and Bernard Hopkins among others, Goossen played a big role in the sport that he loved.

Goossen’s work reached outside of the boxing ring as he was former baseball great Pete Rose’s longtime agent and even represented Mr. T as his career took off in the early 80s.