Michael Heitner, the long-time attorney for Bob Arum and Top Rank passed away last week at the age of 82. After graduating from Dartmouth College, Heitner studied law at Yale. He graduated from Yale law in 1963 and began practicing law at a firm in which Arum was a partner. Heitner and Arum became close friends for life and Mike remained Arum's lawyer right up until his death. On behalf of Top Rank, Heitner negotiated contracts with many great boxers of the last 50 years, including Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Kelly Pavlik and Manny Pacquiao. He also handled Top Rank's contracts with arenas such as Madison Square Garden and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and TV distribution agreements with HBO, Showtime and foreign broadcasters. He also represented promoters and broadcasters in major concerts, such as The Three Tenors, Andrea Bocelli, Billy Joel's farewell concert at Shea Stadium and many other concerts featuring stars like Paul McCartney. Boxingtalk extends its sympathies and condolences to Heitner's wife, Susan, his son and two grandsons, as well as all the rest of his friends and family.
