Mickey Vann boxer

Michael Van Norman better known as Mickey Vann (born 29 December 1943 in London, England) is a former boxer and British boxing referee. Vann was a 'Class A Star' referee and boxing judge. He arbitrated his first professional bout on 14 January 1985, and since has refereed many World, regional, and national title fights.Before becoming a referee, Vann was a professional boxer. He fought 11 times, as a featherweight, winning two and losing nine. His first fight was on 24 April 1969 and his last was on 11 November 1970.In September 2002 he disqualified challenger Stephen Smith as Ricky Hatton defended his WBU light welterweight title. Smith's father pushed Vann in the second round.Mickey's autobiography, Give Me a Ring was published 2003 by Mainstream, revealing the colourful story of his childhood. Mickey was the son of Hal Denver (a friend of Elvis Presley)-who once threw knives at John Major's mother-and the grandson of The Silver King, a showman with The Elephant Man among his sideshows. Mickey's childhood was spent in fairs appearing as the giraffe necked woman, and at a Dickensian foster home.