Boxing promoter Dan Goossen has passed away at the age of 64, due to complications of liver cancer. Find the official statement from Goossen’s family here.
“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.”
Arrangements are pending and details will be announced in the next few days.
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Ken Hershman, president of HBO Sports, had this to say on the passing of Dan Goossen:
“Everyone at HBO Sports is saddened by the sudden loss of Dan Goossen.
“Dan was a dedicated boxing promoter who we worked closely with for many, many years on some of the most important fights in the sport. But what was even more impressive was his total commitment to his family, who were always right by his side during fight week or wherever his business required him to be. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Debbie, and the entire Goossen family.”
Andre Ward, who has long been promoted by Goossen but has recently been in some legal snafus regarding that relationship, released this statement:
“I was deeply saddened to learn the news of Dan Goossen’s passing early this morning. 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.”
Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions:
“Dan Goossen was an absolute titan in the boxing industry and a great friend to ESPN. He was the mastermind behind bringing the WBC World Heavyweight Championship bout between Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola to the masses via ESPN back in May. He will be sorely missed.”
ProBoxing-Fans.com would like to extend our condolences to all of Goossen’s family and friends.
Update: Funeral Information –
Funeral services for Dan Goossen will be held on Tuesday, October 7, beginning at 6 p.m. PT, at St. Francis DeSales (13360 Valleyheart Dr., Sherman Oaks, Calif. 91423.) http://www.sfdsparish.com/contact-us/
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dan’s memory to the charity he established to honor his late brother — The Greg Goossen ’64 Scholarship Fund at Notre Dame High School.
Checks can be made payable to NDHS Goossen Fund and mailed to NDHS, 13645 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. Contributions also can be made online by visiting www.ndhs.org. All gifts are tax deductible.
The Goossen Family will be notified of all contributions.
