The Boxing Community Pays Tribute to Nick Charles

by Scott Christ on Jun 25, 2011 2:45 PM EDT in Boxing News Analysis

The boxing community today is in mourning after the passing of Nick Charles, the former CNN anchor and longtime boxing broadcaster. Many of his friends and colleagues have paid tribute this morning, and I'll just let their words speak for themselves. Kevin Iole's tribute was especially excellent, I thought, and here's a bit of it:

One of Charles’ mottos was "Embrace life, no matter how dire the circumstances," and he did that until the end. No matter how sick he got, no matter how much pain he was in, he lived. He enjoyed his family and his friends and the opportunities life brought. Whether it was appreciating the majesty of the vista from the back of his home or sharing a kind word with a friend, Charles got everything there was to get out of life.

Nick loved boxing and took every opportunity to watch it, read about it, talk with someone about it. If you loved boxing too, he was your friend.

Here are some of the Twitter comments from fighters and journalists, led by Mike Tyson, Charles' longtime friend.

Mourning the loss of a true warrior. My friend & brother, Nick Charles.less than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyMike Tyson
MikeTyson

We lost one of the greats today, prayers go out to Nick Charles's family and friends. It was a pleasure to work with and learn from the bestless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyAntonio Tarver
AntonioTarver

R.I.P. Nick Charles. His passing is a big blow to the sport of boxing and television. He will be missed. #MyDeepestSympathiesless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPad Favorite Retweet ReplyLennox Lewis
LennoxLew1s

We've lost a great member of the Showtime family today in Nick Charles. Our thoughts go out to his family & friends. May he rest in peace.less than a minute ago via CoTweet Favorite Retweet ReplySHOWTIME SPORTS
SHOsports

Rest In Peace Nick Charles. A great guy who will be missed.less than a minute ago via UberSocial Favorite Retweet ReplyGoldenBoyPromotions
GoldenBoyBoxing

Nick Charles, a class man, an anchor's anchor, and such an inspired and uplifting example in the final act of his life. RIP.less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyBob Ley
BobLeyESPN

One thing I'll remember about Nick Charles is his love and passion for ShoBox. When they did a card that didn't live up totheir standards or mission statement, it really bothered Nick. That job was much more than just a paycheck to him less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplySteve Kim
stevemaxboxing

I called Nick Charles regularly. He turned those calls into pep talks and lessons for my depressive self. A wonderful,irreplaceable man.less than a minute ago via TweetCaster Favorite Retweet ReplyLou DiBella
loudibella

RIP Nick Charles. You were a class guy and a great friend of GSP and to my wife Judy. Heaven has another angel.less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyGary Shaw Production
GaryShawBoxing

My friend Nick Charles has gone to be w/the Lord. It saddens me that he's gone, but comforted by where he is. Pray for his surviving wife & his beautiful daughter. "Lord I pray you comfort them, be with them, and walk them through this, in Jesus name, amen". Nick's battle w/cancer makes u put my life in perspective. All of a sudden the petty things that seem important, are no longer important.less than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyAndre S.O.G. Ward
andreward