The promoter Gary Shaw has reportedly died at the age of 79 following a long illness.

Shaw worked in boxing from 1971, when he was appointed Inspector to the New Jersey State Athletic Control Commission by none other than Jersey Joe Walcott.

He remained with the NJSAC until 1999, when he was appointed chief operating officer of the promotional organisation Main Events, and therefore contributed to, among others, the staging of fights including Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson in 2002.

After leaving Main Events he established Gary Shaw Productions. In addition to Lewis and Tyson, Shane Mosley, Timothy Bradley, Ronald “Winky” Wright, Fernando Vargas, Arturo Gatti, Manny Pacquiao and Diego Corrales are among the fine fighters he promoted or co-promoted. 

The larger-than-life Shaw, from New Jersey, was often recognised by the tracksuits he wore while trying to create fights, and known as a fine raconteur. 

An earlier battle with prostate cancer contributed to him speaking openly about the condition and encouraging other men to get checked.