LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Ticker) -- Mitch Halpern, one of the fastest rising referees in boxing, died today at his home, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to ESPN.com, Halpern was found dead at his home in the south side of Las Vegas.

"I have known Mitch for many years," said Las Vegas Athletic Commission chairman Dr. Elias Ghanem. "It makes my heart bleed. He was the kind of man you wanted your daughter to marry."

Halpern, 33, had emerged as one of the sport's top referees and was becoming the popular choice to serve as "the third man in the ring" for most of the top fights in Las Vegas. He served as referee for the Evander Holyfield-Lennox Lewis rematch, Holyfield's first matchup with Mike Tyson, Oscar de la Hoya's showdown with Felix Trinidad and the war between Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

Halpern became the center of controversy when Tyson complained he was biased during the first bout with Holyfield. Halpern was selected as referee for the rematch. But 24 hours before the fight, Halpern removed himself and veteran referee Mills Lane stepped in.

"He refereed some of the biggest and toughest bouts and had the respect of all the organizations," Ghanem said. "I can't comprehend why this happened, and my heart goes out to his family. We feel bad. He never showed any signs of depression or being distraught."

Halpern also had a bit part in the movie "Play it to the Bone."