Sons of Mills Lane host Centennial
“What a weekend!” was the exclamation I heard often during a three-day boxing extravaganza held in Reno, Nevada during the Independence Day weekend. This epic event was orchestrated to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Jack Johnson vs. Jim Jeffries “Fight of the Century” that forever changed the sport of boxing.
On July 4, 1910, the first black heavyweight champ was “allowed” to compete against a white competitor in a prizefight held outdoors in the small mining town 
that drew over 20,000 spectators. This past weekend, writers, photographers, historians, family members and fans, once again traveled to Reno to relive the era of this boxing match that made history, altered racism, and paved the way for others for decades to come.
Terrance and Thomas Lane are the two young men who were instrumental in the intense planning and organizing of this Centennial Celebration to honor the historic happening. And we were truly honored to take part in witnessing all the events commemorating the anniversary.
The Lane brothers created a friendly and warm atmosphere where the direct descendants of Johnson, Jeffries, promoter Tex Rickard, and governor-at-the-time Denver Dickerson joined fighters Andre Ward, Lupe Pintor, Andy Nance, referee Kenny Bayless, and other boxing luminaries in meeting and mingling with guests who came in from all over the country.
Terry, 27, and Tommy, 23, grew up in and around the squared circle as they watched their legendary father, Mills Lane, build a reputation as a stand-up guy in boxing–the consummate professional in the sweet science. Their dad was a former NCAA boxing champ, referee, judge, host of his own TV show, lawyer, prosecutor and district court judge. And of course, he gained world-wide infamy as the referee in Mike Tyson’s infamous ear-biting bout against Evander Holyfield!
With those credentials, the Lane family’s reputation certainly preceded the pair as they began their own careers as fight promoters. Mills founded Let’s Get It On Promotions in 2000. Later, after sidelined by a stroke, he entrusted his sons to carry on in the family business. While the Lane name may have opened a few doors for them, their hard work, diligence, professionalism and integrity has only propelled them further in the fight game. As children of a famous boxing icon, the boys obviously could have grown up spoiled with a sense of entitlement. But the Lane heirs have earned their spot in boxing through the old-fashioned way, by putting in hours of hard work and on-the-job training while promoting Reno Xtreme Fights and more.
And throughout the Centennial, I noticed the two guys’ at each and every event being humble, polite, down-to-earth and unassuming. In fact, many of the other visitors mentioned to me in conversation how well the Brothers Lane had treated them, in making everyone feel special.
Tex Rickard’s grandson, Joe Halprin, flew in from the East Coast with his wife, Annette. Getting acquainted with them during the weekend, they told us how Terry and Tommy picked them up personally from the airport, took them around to the media interviews and even ushered them into a private first-meet with the other family members of Johnson, Jeffries and Dickerson. Announcers Rich Marotta and Al Bernstein took time at the podium to commend the Lanes during the kick-off dinner.
And many others also told me what a warm welcome they also received from the Lanes this past weekend when their town of Reno really became the epicenter of boxing. The anniversary party was great for the community, with everything open to the public and free to attend. The only thing you needed a ticket for was the boxing show, but the rest of the events were made available to locals and fans alike.
And from start to finish, I watched the Lane duo handle everything with aplomb. Not an easy task considering there was a press conference, fight weigh-in, a Friday Night Gala, Al Bernstein’s Boxing Party, seminars and author events, a live pro boxing show, and so much more, all culminating in Sunday’s bell-ringing ceremony on the historic grounds of the original fight site.
But Mills’ two youthful sons took all this on and more, with a big assist from Let’s Get It On Promotions’ Tiffany Chunat, P.R. dynamo Abbi Holtom Whitaker, and various individuals who joined Team Lane.
And on the very last day, during the fight site commemoration, I wondered if the guys would have any gas left in the tank, after days of festivities. As we gathered around waiting for the 2:44 p.m. time earmarked to ring the original bell, Tommy and Terry still looked fresh–even in the desert heat. Wearing a special “Pardon Me” T-shirt made just for the Centennial and a sporty hat, Terry waded through the large crowd that gathered passing out bottles of water to everyone.
Visiting with the siblings during a break in the action, I asked them if they could name their one favorite moment of the celebration.
“Everything was great,” Tommy told me. “But the one special moment was at the Gala when the families (of Johnson and Jeffries) shook hands for the very first time.” It’s been well-documented that after their historic battle, the two heavyweights never shook hands. Reports say that Johnson went to the corner to extend his hand to Jeffries, but the sluggers never actually touched hands. So on stage, family members including Johnson’s great-great niece Linda Haywood and Jeffries’ great-great nephew Gary Wurst stepped up and not only shook hands, but also embraced in an emotional moment.
Tommy’s older brother, Terry, next revealed his own favorite moment from the weekend, which also included a similar meeting of the boxers, promoter and governor’s relatives. “My personal favorite was when the families met earlier that day, in private,” he answers. “Everyone was kind of nervous, no one knew what to expect! But it was such a warm meeting between them all. That was the real highlight for me–when the families first met.”
Giving mad props to the guys, is someone who knows firsthand of their sincerity and determination of the Lanes, who no doubt will continue to build their own legacies in pugilism. At the original fight site gathering, I had some time to chat with one of the most popular fighters in their stable, Joey Gilbert. He’s got a great personality and we had a lot of fun getting to know him. The Reno resident and local hero was extremely proud of the job Terry and Tommy did in planning this jam-packed weekend and shared his thoughts with me.
And “The Contender” star didn’t mince words when he told me that the Lane brothers are really making a difference in the sport. “This weekend has been awesome!” he said with exuberance. “But you know what? You’ve got big shot guys in boxing, people like Don King and others, who didn’t do anything during the Centennial! They could’ve put on a heavyweight fight or something, right? Where was everyone else?”
We both watched the promoters greeting everyone with a handshake and a smile as Joey added, “And look, here’s two really young guys–two innovative guys in Terry and Tommy–who did EVERYTHING to commemorate the event! It’s awesome. Look at them, they could do it all.”
Gilbert went on to say that the Lanes work hard in everything they do and he is happy to be part of their legion of fighters that includes Gilbert, Jesse Brinkley, Brandon Gonzales, Derek Hinkey and others.
With their wholesome “choir boy” reputations intact, I had to do a little digging to find some nugget of info that the boys weren’t always perfect, well-behaved angels! I met Dave Coelho, a well-respected boxing judge, referee, part of the University of 
Nevada, Reno boxing team, and an inspector with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. After some prodding, I hit pay dirt with Coelho mentioning to me that he has known the Lanes since they were little boys. “I first met them when they were just little kids. I met their father in 1990 or ’91, and then I didn’t see them for a long time until I moved to Reno eight years ago,” explains the boxing aficionado and avid horseman.
So where they always such perfect and polite young men? “Well…” teases Coelho, “I have heard some rumors around the neighborhood that when they were little boys they were known as ‘hellions’ back then!” Boys will be boys, we laughed as tales of their spirited childhood, normal in any boyhood, finally came forth. Then it was back to a bounty of compliments for the two young promoters, who are also both college graduates.
I asked Coelho, who’s known the guys for years, if he saw any inkling of the success that’s come their way and if he’s surprised by the impact they’ve already achieved in boxing? “The thing I’m most surprised about, with their success, is that it’s at such a young, young age!” Dave replies. “They are so young, and to be so successful already is pretty remarkable!”
Still just in their twenties, the Lane bros can certainly be called the fresh faces–and refreshing new forces–in boxing.
And I am sure their proud father, Mills, would declare a “unanimous decision” of a job well done by his two young sons.
Stay tuned to this column, for further stories and photos from the whole weekend filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments that could only happen during the Centennial!
Photos by Michele Chong: “Victory Lane” with fighters Joey Gilbert and Mark Melligen; The Legacy Continues