Blog Entry Details

• Jay Larkin Succumbs To Brain Cancer

  By Dr. Jeffrey J. Roth Sun, October 03, 2010 2:45 pm MDT

  The world of Professional Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and Entertainment was dealt a serious blow as Jay Larkin, 59, lost his lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer.  Larkin passed away on the morning of August 9 in Nyack, NY. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their two sons, Ryan and Gabriel.

  Jay Larkin was instrumental in creating SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, the cable television network's pay-per-view boxing series that premiered some of the greatest bouts and fighters in the sport including Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Caesar Chavez, and Felix Trinidad. While at SHOWTIME, Larkin was also involved in marketing and producing a variety of pay-per-view concerts featuring Paul McCartney, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and many others.

  I only met Jay once, at an International Fight League (IFL) fight card at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  As a board certified plastic surgeon and an avid boxing fan, I have had the privilege and honor to assist several professional fighters during bouts in Las Vegas.  The evening I met Jay I was at the arena to repair one of his fighter’s wounds.  It was a busy night, full of fast and furious action. I was able to spend a little time with Jay, and he made a lasting impression on me as to what is really important in life.  At that time he had been wildly successful in his career, his cancer was in remission, and he had sunk his teeth into trying to improve the IFL as its Chief Operating Officer and commissioner, a daunting task for any man.  Larkin's IFL was competing directly with the UFC. However, Larkin was used to stiff competition.  His ability to work with rival companies, i.e. HBO while he was at SHOWTIME, made for some of professional boxing's greatest match-ups and garnered him respect among his competitors and colleagues alike.  He was known to be a fierce negotiator with a huge heart who would take time to talk to everyone, regardless of their station.  His love and dedication for his family were also evident.  The sport of boxing and the world need more men like him.

  Our condolences go out to his family at this difficult time.

  Ring the bell ten times. And this time, show it on the broadcast.

  Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

  Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

  (702) 450-0777

  www.jjrothmd.com

  References:

  http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/jay-larkin-remembered-56011

  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/7936435/Jay-Larkin-dies-from-brain-cancer.html

  http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-larkin030108

  http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5449694

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Fight_League

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