LAS VEGAS (AP) — Elias F. Ghanem, a doctor to Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson who became the chairman of Nevada's State Athletic Commission, died Monday. He was 62.
A Lebanese immigrant, he rose from emergency room doctor to a "physician to the stars," whose patient list included Bill Cosby, Ann-Margaret and gaming giant Barron Hilton.
Ghanem was appointed to the boxing commission in July 1987 and served as chairman for the past four years. He was credited with instituting health and safety measures that have been adopted worldwide, including mandatory testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Ghanem presided over a hearing that drew worldwide attention after former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson bit the ear of ex-champ Evander Holyfield in 1997. Tyson's boxing license was revoked and he was fined a record $3 million.