Nick Charles, CNN’s first boxing anchor and a celebrated commentator on boxing, died Saturday morning (June 25) after a two-year battle with bladder cancer.
Charles spent his final days with his family at home in Sante Fe, California. According to his wife Cory, he passed away peacefully.
Nick Charles began his CNN career in 1980. He covered all sporting events and garnered critical acclaim for his “Sports Tonight” show with co-anchor Fred Hickman.
Recently, Charles told CNN that his focus has been on making sure his wife and 5-year-old daughter Giovanna remember him through video diaries.
“This is a gift from God where I need to build these memories for her so that I’m not a blur,” he explained. “I feel that when I go, that I’m going to prepare a place for my daughter and my wife. I’m going to be in their heart and soul. I tell them that every day.”
The boxing community offered immense support to Charles over the last year. His story was featured on Showtime, and HBO paid tribute by having him announce his final fight, a Boxing After Dark bout between Mikey Garcia and Remillard, in March. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, who grew close to Charles in 90’s, had an emotional final meeting with his old friend earlier this month.
Nick Charles is survived by his wife Cory and four children.
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