Friends chip in, lighten load for longtime judge

Longtime Nevada boxing judge Bill Graham was devastated after his son, William, died in September.

Graham, who has worked numerous world championship fights in Las Vegas in the last 25 years, fell deep into mourning and grew increasingly unable to tend to personal matters.

His humble mobile home on Boulder Highway fell into a sad state of disrepair. His refrigerator was broken. The carpeting was threadbare. Graham, who turned 92 last week, was living in squalor.

"I needed an angel," he said.

That angel recently appeared on his doorstep in the form of longtime referee Joe Cortez, who knows what it's like to experience a parent's anguish.

Cortez's daughter was paralyzed in an auto accident 11 years ago, and he has never forgotten the kindness he was shown after she became a quadriplegic.

"A couple of the gals at the (Nevada Athletic) Commission told me (Graham's) carport had blown down in the wind and they asked me if I could give him a hand," Cortez said. "Bill's been a friend of mine over the years, and I like to help people."

Cortez went to see Graham, assessed the situation and sprung into action. Along with his brother and boxing judge Robert Hoyle, Cortez began putting Graham's home back in order. They repaired the carport, replaced the carpeting and put down new tile in the bathroom and kitchen. They installed a new refrigerator, stove and TV set.

They did it out of love and kindness. And they have Graham's eternal gratitude.

"Joe never asked me for a dime," Graham said. "I'm not too terrible (financially) and I'm not too good. Between Social Security and my pension, I get about $1,800 a month. I'm not destitute, but I'm not living a high lifestyle, either. I'm squeaking by.

"What Joe and Robert did, coming over and fixing up my place, I just think they should get some credit."

Cortez and Hoyle weren't seeking publicity. They said they were merely trying to help a friend.

"Bill's had a tough time since his son died, but he's coming back," Hoyle said. "I talked to Joe around Christmas about Bill and he knew about (his situation).

"Joe did an amazing job. He's made Bill's home more comfortable. I mean, the guy just turned 92. Why shouldn't he have a comfortable home?"

Even at his advanced age, Graham is still an active judge, though he hasn't worked since judging on the undercard of the Dec. 8 Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Ricky Hatton fight at the MGM Grand Garden.

Graham admits his work that night wasn't up to par, and now he's being asked to prove he's still competent to judge fights in Nevada, much as a person his age needs to prove he's still able to drive a car and hold a driver's license.

"I didn't do a good job," Graham conceded of his Dec. 8 judging. "But I've spent 25 years as a judge. Now they want me to take a test?"

Graham will attend the Crown Boxing card at The Orleans on March 7 and will ghost-judge the fights. NAC executive director Keith Kizer said if all goes well, Graham will continue to work.

"He's been through a rough patch with his son dying," Kizer said. "We all sympathize with Bill, and he's dealt with some medical issues. We didn't want to rush him back. But we want to make sure he's OK to judge, so we'll give him this trial run. If everything checks out, he'll get fights to work."

• LOUIS DOCUMENTARY -- In keeping with Black History Month, HBO has put together a compelling documentary on the life of Joe Louis.

"Joe Louis: America's Hero ... Betrayed," covers the boxer's rise to stardom, his first loss in 1936 to Max Schmeling, his redemption by knocking out Schmeling in 1938, his work on behalf of the U.S. Army in World War II and the financial woes that caused Louis to owe the Internal Revenue Service more than $1 million in back taxes.

It is an insightful look at one of the greatest and most tragic sports figures of the 20th century. It's well suited for nonboxing fans because of the in-depth portrayal of Louis' life, which included his stint as a greeter at Caesars Palace.

The show will debut at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2913.