Puerto Rican referee Joe Cortez makes his debut on ESPN Deportes tonight, August 23 at 9 p.m. ET. One of boxing’s most famous faces, Cortez will provide commentary and analysis for ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combate on a world title doubleheader which features another first, former Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson’s return to the sport as a boxing promoter.
The event will be broadcasted on ESPN Deportes+ live with a rerun on ESPN Deportes TV on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. ET.
Cortez will contribute across ESPN Deportes platforms leading up to the Mayweather vs. Canelo fight on Sept. 14. His participation will include daily appearances on ESPN Deportes’ comprehensive news and information coverage planned the week of Sept. 9, in anticipation of the fight, as well as weekly appearances on A Los Golpes.
Cortez was also a fighter but retired early and began to referee major Championship fights in the 80s. He officiated bouts for boxing legends such as Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran. Cortez became one of Nevada and New York’s preferred boxing referees for world title fights. He has refereed over 170 world bouts over his career.
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Cortez has always been very well spoken and is of course extremely knowledgeable about the sport, and as mentioned, very recognizable as well. He should be able to provide some good commentary so it will be interesting to see how he performs.
