Boxing world in mourning as longtime Vegas insider Butch Gottlieb passes away

With the news of his unfortunate passing yesterday, tributes are flooding in from around the boxing world for longtime Las Vegas insider Butch Gottlieb.

According to a social media post by his wife, renowned boxing photographer Mary Ann Lurie Owen, Gottlieb slipped away peacefully at ProCare Hospice in Las Vegas surrounded by loved ones.

The well-liked Gottlieb worked in several facets of professional boxing in his decades in the sport, including time spent as a manager, writer, photographer, Boxing in Las Vegas website publisher and Nevada Athletic Commission boxing inspector.

Gottlieb was particularly involved with women’s boxing.

Sue Tl Fox, Founder of the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) and the Women Boxing Archive Network (WBAN), was one of many to express their condolences.

“Hearts are breaking....Butch Gottlieb (was) one of the strongest supporters of women's boxing, boxing in general, WBAN, and the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame where he was ALWAYS at the event helping us with everything at the HOF.”

International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Jackie Kallen echoed the sentiment.

“Today boxing lost one of its all-time great guys – – Butch Gottlieb,” said Kallen. “Besides being a beloved friend of mine, he was one of the sweetest guys you could ever meet. He and his lovely wife, Mary Ann, have been a familiar presence on the Vegas fight scene for almost three decades. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Butch.”