Boxing Promoter Kushner Dies

Kushner rose to prominence after becoming a music promoter in the ’70s.

The South African began his career as a merchant seaman and Ferris wheel operator, then built his reputation promoting acts like Fleetwood Mac, Queen, The Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead.

By the 1980s he had started his reputation as a boxing promoter, working with HBO on heavyweight titles.

“For a long time, Ced was one of the most powerful promoters in the world,” promoter Lou DiBella told ESPN. “You can’t even count the number of world champions and top contenders he promoted.”

Kushner’s lavish lifestyle took a downturn in the end after his promotion business collapsed and he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which forced him into an assisted living facility, according to ESPN.