Final Bell 2024

Johnny Boudreau – The former heavyweight boxing contender ranked sixth in the world in the late 1970s, passed away on October 28, 2024, at 72. He was active in the sport from 1973 to 1978 and was a four-time Houston Golden Gloves Champion. Boudreaux won his first title in the Novice Division as a Light-Middleweight in 1968, followed by victories in the Open Division in 1969 and 1971 as a Light-Heavyweight. He then won his fourth title in 1972 as the Open Division Champion at Heavyweight. Additionally, he was a two-time runner-up in National AAU competition. As a professional boxer, Boudreaux was known for his exceptional skills and hand speed, compiling an impressive professional record of 21 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, with 7 victories by knockout and 2 losses by knockout. He held titles as both the Texas State and Louisiana State Champion at Heavyweight and faced numerous tough opponents during his career, including Scrap Iron Johnson, Stan Ward, Roy Wallace, Tony Doyle, Charles Atlas, Randy Stephens, Gerrie Coetzee, and John Tate. BoxRec

Alonzo Butler – The former professional boxer, active from 2000-2021, died October 28, 2024, his daughter, Jazlyn, confirmed to Knox News. Butler was 44. He was known as “Big Zo” to fans and friends. Butler, a Chattanooga native who settled in Knoxville, had a 35-3-2 record with 25 knockouts as a heavyweight. Butler was a standout football player at Chattanooga City High School. He signed to play football at Middle Tennessee State but did not wind up playing for the Blue Raiders. He pursued boxing instead. He was the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame’s 2006 Professional Athlete of the Year. “(Legendary boxing trainer) Ace Miller told me four or five years ago I could be a champion, and I’ve stuck with it through the hard times,’’ Butler told Knox News in 2006. “I’m honored to have been named Knoxville’s Pro Athlete of the Year. “I’ve felt a responsibility to be a good model with the kids working with Golden Gloves, and I try to watch myself closely.’’ Miller served as Butler’s manager and trainer during his undefeated run in the mid-2000s. “Alonzo could have done well in football because of his speed; at 250 (pounds), we’ve timed him at 4.3 in the 40-yard dash,’’ Miller told Knox News in 2006. “With that pure warm personality he has, people want to know how he could be mean enough to be heavyweight champ of the world someday. “Well, he’s a competitive guy. When he gets in the ring, that’s when his helmet and shoulder pads go on.’’ Mike Wilson covers the University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com  / BoxRec

Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues – The Brazilian boxing legend Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues passed away at age 66 in Sao Paulo on October 24, 2024, following multiple health complications. Rodrigues was active from 1983-2000 and compiled a record of 77-7-1 (KO 61/KO by 7). During his career, he was a WBF heavyweight champion and a WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion. He held the South American title for 14 straight years between 1986 and 2000. Rodrigues was knocked out by Evander Holyfield in 1989 and then by George Foreman the following year. Among the famous fighters who lost to Rodrigues was former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson in 1995. In 2013, Rodrigues was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. His death this week came after he had received 28 days of treatment for pneumonia and abdominal pain. One fan tweeted: ‘We say goodbye to a great icon of Brazilian sports, Adilson Rodrigues, known as Maguila as q fighter who, with his determination, took Brazilian boxing to international heights. Inside and outside the ring, Maguila was always an example of overcoming obstacles and facing challenges. Daily Mail UK / BoxRec

Greg Suttington – The Kansas City, Kansas heavyweight, active from 1992-2003, died October 20, 2024, at age 56. He was born December 25, 1965, and compiled a record of 17-3-0 (KO 16/KO by 2). He defeated Jerry Halstead and Bruce Douglas, and also engaged James Pritchard, Boris Powell, and Tye Fields. BoxRec

Sevity Xayavongsa – The Fort Smith, Arkansas junior lightweight, active from 2002-2003, died October 14, 2024, at age 43. He was born in Laos on September 21, 1981, and compiled a record of 5-0-0 (KO 5). BoxRec

Kevin Cook – The Indianapolis, Indiana heavyweight, active from 1994-2000, died October 14, 2024 at age 60. He was born Kevin William Cook in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 10, 1964, and compiled a record of 15-3-1 (KO 12/KO by 2). BoxRec

Don Lutz – The middleweight boxer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was active from 1964 to 1977. He passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 79. Born Don Thomas Lutz on May 7, 1945, he had a professional boxing record of 18 wins, 16 losses, and 6 draws, with 4 wins by knockout. Lutz was a promising middleweight in the 1960s. From December 9, 1964, to January 29, 1968, he compiled an impressive record of 17 wins, 3 losses, and 4 draws, with 4 knockouts and 2 knockouts against him, before serving as a U.S. Army medic in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, upon his return from Vietnam in 1969, Lutz’s boxing career took a downward turn. From May 20, 1969, to June 28, 1977, he fought in only 16 matches, resulting in a record of 1 win, 13 losses, and 2 draws, getting knocked out 10 times during this period.  BoxRec

Bruce Rohrbach – The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania middleweight, active from 1950-1951, died October 4, 2024, at age 93. He was born Bruce A. Rohrbach in the same city on December 23, 1930, and compiled a record of 7-2-1 (KO 4). BoxRec

Mylik Birdsong, also known as “King Malik,” a welterweight from Los Angeles, California, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting on September 29, 2024, at the age of 31. Reportedly, he was standing outside a vehicle with his girlfriend on the city’s south side when another car approached around 4:50 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, as per a police spokesperson speaking to KTLA-TV. He was shot seven times in the chest and rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Mylik, born Mylik Roashun Birdsong in Los Angeles on November 16, 1992, was active from 2017 to 2024, amassing a record of 15-1-1 (with 10 wins by knockout and 1 loss by knockout).  BoxRec

Frank Davila – The Springfield, Massachusetts welterweight, active from 1962 to 1977, died September 22, 2024, at age 80. He was born Francisco Davila in Patillas, Puerto Rico, on November 30, 1943, and compiled a record of 10-37-4 (KO 0/KO by 7). During his career, he engaged fighters such as Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Sugar Ray Seales, Ted Whitfield, Donato Paduano, Tony Petronelli, Andy Price, Ronnie Harris, Roland Pryor, Dave Hilton, Daniel Levesque, Ricky Nelson, and Jackie Smith. BoxRec

Olvin Veazey – The former Bridgeport, Connecticut heavyweight, active from 1963 to 1978, died on September 22, 2024, at St. Vincent Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at age 83. He had bravely confronted multiple illnesses and ultimately suffered from heart failure. He was born in Camp Hill, Alabama, on February 19, 1941, and compiled a record of 3-12-2 (KO 0/KO by 9).  BoxRec

Johnny Carter – The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania bantamweight, known as the “Dancing Machine,” passed away on September 21, 2024, at the age of 68.  He was active from 1977 to 1989 and achieved a record of 33-8-0 (KO 21/KO by 3). Between October 1980 and December 1982, Ring magazine ranked him as high as the number six bantamweight contender in the world. In his only world title challenge, WBA/Lineal Bantamweight champion Jeff Chandler defeated Carter at 2:28 of the sixth round to successfully defend his championship for the fifth time. He held the Nevada State Bantamweight, IBF USBA Bantamweight, and the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission Super Bantamweight titles during his career. BoxRec

Nojim Maiyegun – The 1964 Bronze Medal winner representing Nigeria as a Light Middleweight at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, died August 26, 2024, at age 83. Boxing News 12 October 1973, p16-17, states that he turned professional in 1969 in Nigeria and had 15 wins before fighting in Europe. His BoxRec record from 1971 to 1973 is 12-4-0 (KO 10). Known as Omo Oloja, he was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on February 17, 1941, and fought out of Vienna, Austria, and defeated Denny Moyer, Gerard Cola, Frank Young, Lionel Cuypers, Dante Lazzari, and Nicola Menchi, split two fights with Jose Hernandez, and lost decisions to Jorge Fernandez, Domenico Tiberia, and Joop Kruis. BoxRec

Primo Zamparini – The Italian bantamweight from Genoa, Liguria, Italy, who won a silver medal at the 1960 Olympics, died August 21, 2024, from the consequences of a fall at the age of 85. After winning a bronze at the 1961 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Belgrade, he turned professional and had a record of 16-6-6 (KO 7/KO by 2). Zamparini was born in Fabriano, Marche, Italy on February 9, 1939, and was nicknamed “macchina di pugni” (punching machine). He retired in 1966. After his retirement, he founded the amateur club Pugilistica Fabrianese, where he also served as a coach. During his career, he defeated Alfonso Carbaijo, Christian Marchand, John Claude Leroy, and Jose Luis Martinez, lost to Ollie Taylor, Alessandro Schiavetta, and Billy Miles, and drew with Alberto Seri and Federico Scarponi. BoxRec

Harvey Lammers – The 1952 New Bedford, Massachusetts and New England Boxing Tournament of Champions – 160-pound Champion died August 9, 2024, at age 93. In his last amateur bout, he lost a decision to Floyd Patterson at the 1952 National AAU 165-pound Tournament in Boston in the quarterfinals. He was born Harvey Boardley Lammers in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on March 3, 1931and fought professionally from 1952 to 1959, compiling a record of 5-9-4 (KO 1/KO by 3). As a professional, he engaged Eddie Andrews, Willie Greene, Ray Drayton, Arthur Turner, Eddie Dixon, Dick D’Orsi, and Sonny Williams. BoxRec

Dick French – The former New England Welterweight Champion from Providence, Rhode Island, who was active from 1962 to 1970, passed away on August 8, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born Richard J. French, Sr., in Moosup, Connecticut, on October 29, 1939, and had a record of 42-22-3 (17 wins by knockout, 9 losses by knockout). French held the New England Welterweight title from March 18, 1963, to March 27, 1965. Notably, he split two fights with Billy Backus (winning by unanimous decision in 8 rounds and losing by TKO in 6 rounds). French also had victories over Eddie Spence, Paul Christie, Dick Knight, Grey Gavin, Willie James, Gene Herrick, Tyrone Gardner, Johnny Torres, and Al Durate. He suffered defeats against Len Matthews, Ted Whitfield, Donato Paduano, Miguel Barreto, Lloyd Marshall, Joey Durelle, Brad Silas, Billy Lonergan, and Manny Burgo. He also had a draw with Len Sparks. BoxRec

Young Sekona—The Auckland, New Zealand heavyweight, active from 1971 to 1983, died July 30, 2024, at age 72. He was born Fonomanu Sekona in Tonga on February 5, 1952, and compiled a record of 26-6-0 (KO 14/KO by 5). He held the South Seas Heavyweight Title (1973), (1974), and (1981) and the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association (NZPBA) heavyweight title (1982). During his career, he engaged Bunny Johnson, Eddie Jones, Larry Frazier, Tony Moore, and Steve Aczel. BoxRec

Richie Sandoval – Bruce Trampler Announcement: “Boxing and the Top Rank family lost one of our own last night (July 21, 2024) with the passing of former WBA bantamweight champ Richie Sandoval.” Sandoval reigned as WBA 118-pound champ from April 1984 to March 1986 and made two title defenses.  Born in Pomona, California, in October 1960, Sandoval won the world title with a stunning 15th-round stoppage win over Jeff Chandler. Sandoval dominated and stopped Chandler, who never fought again after the defeat. Richie would be forced to retire after his near-fatal stoppage loss to Gaby Canizales. Having had to lose around 12 pounds to make weight, Sandoval was severely weakened, and he was dropped multiple times before being stopped in round seven. Sandoval lapsed unconsciously shortly after the fight, and he stopped breathing for a reported three minutes. It really is a miracle Richie did not die on the evening of March 10, 1986, with the doctors instead managing to save his life with brain surgery. His ring career was over, and Sandoval retired with a record of 29-1-0 (KO 17/KO by 1). (James Slater, Boxing News 24/7)   BoxRec

Pat Marcune – The former 1953 tenth-ranked world featherweight contender, active from 1949 to 1956, passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 97. Born Patrick Marcune in Springfield, New York, on April 26, 1927, and raised in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York, he was a man of many roles, each of which he dedicated himself to wholeheartedly. He compiled a record of 38-19-3 (KO 20/KO by 6). Marcune served in the US Coast Guard during WWII after enlisting at 17 years old. He served aboard a ship on a troop transport in the South Pacific. His ship was hit by a torpedo that didn’t explode during the war, and as he always said, “He’s lucky to be alive”. After the war, he entered the ring as a professional and had 60 professional fights, including main events in Madison Square Garden. He was regarded as one of the golden era of boxing’s rising stars and toughest fighters. During his career, he engaged Willie Pep, Lauro Salas, Bill Bossio, Harold Gomes, Eddie Compo, Miguel Berrios, Isidro Martinez, Tito Valles, Orlando Echevarria, Richie Howard, Charley Titone, Jimmy Rooney, Bobby Courchesne, Tony Spano, and Larry Mujica. After his career in boxing, he became a jeweler and had a successful career for many years. He later went on to work for the NYC Transit Authority and worked on the path under the World Trade Center, where the twin towers stood. He retired after 30 years as a transit worker. In 2001, he volunteered at ground zero on search and rescue at 76 years old. He worked on the bucket brigade with his son, Patrick, a NYC Police Officer searching for survivors in the collapsed twin tower rubble.  Obituary / BoxRec

Michael Kenny – Kenny, who won Commonwealth Games boxing gold in 1990 and lost just once in New Zealand, died July 17, 2024, at age 60. He was born Michael Vincent Noel James Kenny in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, on June 19, 1964. The son of revered coach Chris Kenny, he boxed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he exited in the second round, then shot to Kiwi sporting fame at the Auckland Commonwealth Games six years later. Fighting in the super heavyweight division, Kenny beat towering Ghanaian Liadi Alhassan in the final to be one of 17 New Zealand gold medalists at the 1990 Games. Kenny was renowned as technically one of the country’s best boxers. He was a six-time national champion and four-time Oceania champion, and records show he only lost one bout in New Zealand—to Jimmy Peau. “Mike was good, and anybody will tell you that. He was a good athlete, and it was difficult to find him bouts,” father Chris said in 2011 after Kenny Sr. was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to boxing.  The New Zealand Post

Lemuel Silisia – The Solomon Islands welterweight who resided in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia, died in hospital from head injuries on July 10, 2024, days after competing in an eight-round professional bout in regional New South Wales. Silisia, a Solomon Islander who lived and worked in Australia, died on Wednesday night, his family said. Silisia was competing in the World Boxing Foundation Australasian Super Lightweight Title fight in Tamworth. Silesia knocked down his opponent, Adam Flood, in the third round but lost the contest on points in a fight that onlookers described as “tough and clean.” After the fight, he answered questions from the media, spoke to supporters in the crowd, and posed for photos with them. Police say the 27-year-old was taken to hospital in Newcastle on Sunday, July 7, but died from head injuries resulting from the bout. His career record is 3-1-0 (KO 3).  BoxRec / ABC.Net.AU/News 

Johnny Cooke – Merseyside boxing is in mourning following the passing of one of the city’s most respected and influential figures. The former British and Empire Welterweight Champion Johnny Cooke finally succumbed to the cruel illness of pneumonia on Saturday, June 30, 2024 – but not without a typically fierce fight. He was 89.  Cooke was active from 1960-1971 and compiled a record of 52-34-7 (KO 5/KO by 8). BoxRec   Liverpool Echo UK Boxing

Valentin Lopez – The Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico featherweight active from 1994 to 2015, died June 25, 2024 at age 49. He was born Valentin Lopez Sanchez on February 21, 1975, and compiled a record of 25-6-0 (KO 13/KO by 6). BoxRec

Eddie Caminero—The Lawrence, Massachusetts middleweight, who was active from 2007 to 2015, died June 13, 2024, at age 44. He was born on November 8, 1979, and compiled a record of 7-9-0 (KO 7/KO by 7). He engaged Joe Smith, Jr (W TKO), Chris Traietti (W TKO), Badou Jack (L TKO), Johnathan Nelson (L PTS), Patrick Majewski (L TKO), Denis Grachev (L TKO), Joe McCreedy (L TKO), Dennis Hasson (L TKO), Russell Lamour (L PTS), and Jimmy Williams (L TKO).  BoxRec

Anthony Burgin—The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania lightweight, active from 2012 to 2017, died on July 13, 2024, at age 32, following a motorcycle accident. He was born Anthony Burgin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 7, 1992. As an amateur, he was a USA Junior Olympic National Champion. As a professional, he compiled a record of 10-4-0 (KO 2/KO by 1).  BoxRec

Charles Britt – The Syracuse, New York welterweight, active from 1981 to 1983, died on July 10, 2024, at age 70. He was born in Buffalo, New York, on December 12, 1953, and compiled a record of 3-1-1 (KO 3/KO by 1).  BoxRec

Janos Petrovics – The Hungarian Super Middleweight, 53, died on July 8, 2024, in an accident at a building site where a wall fell over him. Petrovics was born in Dombóvár, Hungary, on August 9, 1971, and represented Hungary in the 1992 Olympics. He fought around 300 fights as an amateur at lightweight and light welterweight and was active from 1997 to 2018. BoxRec lists his record as 25-94-2 (KO 12/KO By 27).  BoxRec

Wallace Boodhoo – The London, United Kingdom featherweight, active in 1957, died July 7, 2024, at age 93. He was born Wallace Compton Boodhoo in Guyana on November 10, 1930, and compiled a record of 2-4-1 (KO 1/KO by 3).  BoxRec

Steffen Tangstad – The Norwegian media has reported that Steffen Tangstad, former two-time EBU heavyweight champion and world title challenger, passed away on June 26, 2024, at 65. Steffen was born in Toensber, Norway, on June 22, 1959, and was active from 1980 to 1986. Tangstad had for a long time been suffering from a nerve disease and lost power in both arms and legs – and in 2019, he had his left leg amputated. Steffen Tangstad became Norwegian champion six times as an amateur and then turned pro. As professional boxing became prohibited in Norway in 1981, Steffen traveled to America, and – with Chicago as a base – he built up a 16-0-2 record, mainly against soft touches. Still, the record includes a draw against James “Buster” Douglas. But it was in Denmark and with promoter Mogens Palle that Steffen got his big break, and he won the European heavyweight title on a fantastic night at the KB-Hall in Copenhagen in the fall of 1984 with a points win over Frenchman Lucian Rodriguez. Tangstad then lost the title to Swede Anders Eklund after a bad performance but bounced back with a close win over John Westgarth in 1986 and became European champ a second time and that led to a showdown against world champ Michael Spinks, who stopped the challenger in the fourth round. Tangstad was by then 24-2-2 (KO 14/KO by 2) and never officially retired. He was named the official challenger for the EBU title almost two years after the Spinks fight, but he settled for a career as a commentator. He later also became a promoter and manager but eventually left boxing. BoxRec

Charley Polite – The Springfield, Massachusetts heavyweight, active from 1964 to 1979, died June 17, 2024, at age 79. He was born Charles Polite in Garnett, South Carolina, on October 4, 1944, and compiled a record of 17-39-4 (KO 6/KO by 17). During his career, he engaged Joe Frasier, Bob Foster, George Foreman, Floyd Patterson, Buster Mathis, Cleveland Williams, Earnie Shavers, Jose Roman, Dante Cane, Jack O’Halloran, Joe Bugner, Gerry Cooney, Eddie Owens, Dave Zyglewicz, Al Jones, Jose Luis Garcia, Roberto Davila, Chuck Wepner, Alberto Lovell, Pedro Agosto, John Dino Denis, Jeff Merritt, and Ron Stander. BoxRec

Enrique Pinder – The former world bantamweight champion known as “Maravilla,” active from 1966 to 1973, died on June 15, 2024, in Panama City at 76. He had suffered from heart problems in recent years. He was born in Panama City, Panama, on August 7, 1947, and compiled a record of 35-7-2 (KO 13/KO by 6). On July 29, 1972, Pinder defeated world champion Rafael Herrera in Panama City by a 15-round unanimous decision to win the world title. He lost the title to Romeo Anaya in Panama City by third-round kayo on January 20, 1973. He engaged Anaya in a rematch at the Forum in Inglewood, California, on August 18, 1973, again losing by a third-round knockout. He retired on November 22, 1973, after losing a unanimous decision to Francisco Villegas in San Juan, Puerto Rico. During his career, he also defeated Chucho Castillo, Eugenio Hurtado, Cammy Beto, Davey Vasquez, Heleno Ferreira, and Nestor Jimenez.  BoxRec

Manny Barrios – The former fourth-ranking world bantamweight contender from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, active from 1958 to 1969, passed away on June 13, 2024, at the age of 84. Born Manuel Barrios in Victoria de Durango, Durango, Mexico, on November 17, 1939, Manny was first rated by Ring Magazine in July 1963 and last rated in April 1966. During his career, he defeated Jose Medel in a trilogy (1-1-1), Modesto Torres, Ray Asis, Rudy Corona, Vicente Garcia, Mario Diaz, Jesus Hernandez, Rafael Mota, Evaristo Salinas, Cain Rogero, and Jorge Gonzalez. He drew with Felix Said Brami, Edmundo Esparza, Manny Linson, and faced defeats against Waldemiro Pinto, Manny Elias, Jerry Stokes, and Dwight Hawkins. He retired with a record of 35-8-5 (KO 7/KO by 1). BoxRec

Dave Ould – The 84-year-old heavyweight from Bermondsey, London, U.K., active from 1960 to 1968, passed away in early June 2024. David Ould was born in Lambeth, London, U.K., on May 19, 1940, and compiled a record of 22-11-0 (KO 4/KO by 2). Nine of his losses, two by kayo, occurred in his last eleven fights. Ould’s twin brother Johnny, who competed at light-heavy in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, died in June 2014. Dave was also close to fighting in Italy in the heavyweight class – only missing out after he lost on points to Dave Thomas, who captained England’s boxing team. Both were highly respected fighters, and former British heavyweight champion Henry Cooper always talked about wanting to have “his old mates” – aged 17 at the time – to provide him with quality sparring. The Oulds represented Fisher Amateur Boxing Club, founded in 1908 and now based in Coxson Place, Druid Street. During his career, he won the British South Area Heavyweight title and engaged fighters like Jack Bodell, Carl Gizzi, Giuseppe Ros, Ray Shiel, Ron Gray, Tommy Leroy, and Hans Jorgen Jacobsen.  BoxRec

Andrew Tham – The Scotland featherweight champion, active from 2019 to 2024, died May 30, 2024, three days after he was critically injured in a motorbike crash. Tham, 28, collided with a Hyundai Tucson car in Cumbernauld, Scotland. Tham, who was riding a Kawasaki, was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he died. He was born in Cumbernauld, Scotland, UK, on February 15, 1995, and compiled a record of 6-2-0 (KO 2). BoxRec 

 

Francisco Coronado – The former Managua, Nicaragua featherweight contender, active from 1967 to 1977, died May 28, 2024 at age 77. He was born Francisco Salinas Arrieta in Nicaragua on October 10, 1946, and compiled a record of 20-10-0 (KO 14/KO by 2). He defeated Alfonso Perez,  Jose Torres, and Santos Luis Rivera and engaged Rafael Ortega, Antonio Amaya, Leo Campbell, Camy Beto, Raimundo Dias, Emiliano Villa, and Armando Perez. BoxRec

Mickey Rosati – The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania featherweight active from 1954 to 1955, died May 22, 2024, at age 91. He was born Michael Rosati on February 28, 1933, and compiled a record of 11-1-1 (KO 3/KO BY 1). As an amateur, he won the 1953 Middle Atlantic 132-pound Open Class Championship. BoxRec

Irish Pat Murphy – The popular Secaucus, New Jersey welterweight, active from 1967 to 1979, died on May 20, 2024, at age 74. He was born Patrick Joseph Murphy III in West New York, New Jersey, on June 1, 1949, and compiled a record of 34-14-2 (KO 16/KO by 5). Pat started boxing at age 14 when his uncle, Frank Laverty, took him to a boxing gym for the first time. He soon found himself not only holding his own but often outboxing older and more experienced fighters. After posting an amateur record of 20-5, Pat turned pro at age 18 while still a student at Memorial High School. Starting as a lightweight, he attracted attention as a skillful boxer who could punch. One day after Pat’s tenth pro fight, his father, Pat Sr., who had worked his corner, passed away. Although he continued to win, Irish Pat missed his father’s presence in his corner. Eventually moving up to the welterweight division, he won his first twenty-five fights and, in 1967, was New Jersey’s Fighter of the Year. His first loss came against welterweight contender Donato Paduano in the Main Event in Madison Square Garden. Over the next few years, under the tutelage of legendary trainer Freddie Brown, Murphy would face the best fighters in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. The list includes ex-welterweight world champions John Stracey, whom he fought in England, and Billy Backus in Syracuse, and traveled to Nova Scotia to face welterweight contender Clyde Gray, whom Murphy still considers the best he ever fought. In 1974, Irish Pat would take an extended leave from boxing. Within five months, he lost his younger brother and his mom. Now, more than ever, Pat needed a break. In 1977, Irish Pat Murphy made his return to the ring. He won his first five fights, including four KOs, before losing to Mustafa Hamsho, who challenged Marvin Hagler for the world middleweight title. Traveling to Italy, Pat fought his last fight against another former world champion, middleweight Rocky Mattioli. Although he never held a world title (he ranked as high as fifth in the world), most who have seen him fight agree that his destiny was in his own hands. Pat readily admitted that anything was possible if he had worked harder. Pat Sullivan managed Irish Pat Murphy and, later, 1995 Hall of Fame inductee Joe Vella. Pat was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Hudson County Hall of Fame in 2008. Our hearts go out to his brothers Dennis and Terry, and his nephew Dennis Jr, who are all members of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, as well as his wife Denise and brothers Leroy and Brian, and his sister Sheila. (Courtesy of Henry Hascup)  BoxRec

Jasmine Clarkson – The Cedar Hill, Texas, female lightweight, active from 2014 to 2021, died May 14, 2024, at age 29. She was born Jasmine Samantha Clarkson in South Haven, Michigan, on March 16, 1995, and compiled a record of 4-14-0 (KO 0/KO by 2).  BoxRec

Art Jimmerson – The Los Angeles light heavyweight, active from 1985 to 2002, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 60 on May 8, 2024, in Los Angeles. He was on his way to work at the UFC gym, where he was employed as a trainer; he passed out in his car at a stop sign and never regained consciousness, succumbing to what was likely an aneurysm or heart attack. He was born Arthur Lee Jimmerson and raised in St. Louis on August 4, 1963, and compiled a record of 33-18-0 (KO 17/KO by 12). He lost eleven of his last twelve fights, nine to kayo. He took up boxing in middle school, where he was bullied. Losing his first eight amateur bouts, he went on to win the National Golden Gloves title in 1983. Turning pro as an outstanding prospect, Jimmerson’s career brought him all over the world, where he faced numerous top contenders and champions. His 1988 sixth-round technical knockout win over Lenny LaPaglia in New York City was Madison Square Garden’s fight of the year. He also defeated Jerry Halstead, Paul McPeek, Randy Smith, Tim Johnson, and engaged Orlin Norris, Jeff Harding, Dennis Andries, Andrew Maynard, Brian LaSpada, Torsten May, Vassily Jirov, Dale Brown, Adolpho Washington, Arthur Williams, Mike Rodgers, Richard LaMontagne, and Rydell Booker.  BoxRec

Leon Shaw – The Jacksonville, Florida heavyweight, active from 1965 to 1981, died May 8, 2024, at 75. Leon Kenneth Shaw was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on August 11, 1948, and compiled a record of 23-16-1 (KO 10/KO by 9). Nicknamed the “Shadow,” he resembled former football star turned-actor Jim Brown. He defeated Paul Kasper, Larry Renaud, Jody Ballard, Carl Baker, and John Baca during his career. He also engaged Larry Holmes, John Tate, Earnie Shavers, Jimmy Abbott, Jeff Sims, Johnny Boudreaux, Bobby Lloyd, and Joe Gholston.  BoxRec

Jeff May—The Milwaukee, Wisconsin heavyweight, who was active from 1981 to 1994, died on May 5, 2024, at age 72. He was born Jeffrey L. May on August 27, 1951, and engaged in eighteen professional fights. BoxRec

Lyle Randolph – The Akron, Ohio welterweight, active from 1966 to 1972, died May 3, 2024, at age 77. He was born Lyle Thomas Randolph on January 14, 1947, and compiled a record of 19-6-0 (KO 12/KO by 3). Randolph was a nationally ranked-amateur before turning professional.  During his professional career, he defeated Marion Thomas, Wally Livingston, and Rudy Bolds, and engaged Sugar Ramos and Zovek Barajas. BoxRec

Dingaan Thobela – The former WBO lightweight champion(1990), WBA lightweight champion (1993), and WBC Super middleweight champion (2000) from Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, died on April 29, 2024, at age 57, after a long illness. Thobela, nicknamed the ‘Rose of Soweto, was born Dingaan Bongane Thobela in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa, on September 24, 1966, and was active from 1986 to 2006, compiling a record of 40-14-2 (KO 26/KO by 4). Seven of his fourteen losses, three by kayo, occurred in his last seven fights. During his career, he defeated Tony Lopez (split two fights), Daniel Londas, Danilo Cabrera, Mario Martinez, Fred Adams, Francisco Alvarez, Felipe Orozco, Antonio Rivera, Kenny Vice, Jamie Balboa, Gary Murray, Soon Botes (split two fights), and Glen Catley. He also engaged Orzubek Nazarov, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Lucas, Lucian Bute, Carlos Manual Baldomir, Otis Grant, Dave Hilton, Cornelias Carr, and Geoff McCreesh. BoxRec

Ardi Ndembo – The Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, heavyweight, died of a brain injury on April 26, 2024, at age 27. Ndembo was knocked unconscious during his April 5th TCL-pro bout against Nestor Santana in Miami, Florida, and was then transported to a local hospital, where he was placed in a coma but never recovered. The Team Combat League (TCL) is a boxing league with a team-based ownership model. TCL matches feature 24 three-minute rounds of nonstop action. Competitors compete in one-round matches or two fighters per weight class per team in each match. Each match is divided into three periods. The first eight rounds are the Launch Rounds, rounds 9-16 are the Middle Rounds, and rounds 17-24 are the Money Rounds. Ndembo was knocked out at 57 seconds of the first round. As a professional boxer, Ndembo was active from December 14, 2019, to March 16, 2024, compiling a record of 8-0-0 (KO 7). He was born Ardi da Sylva Ndembo in Brazzaville, Congo on May 23, 1996. BoxRec / TCL-pro .

Willie Limond – The ex-British and Commonwealth light-welterweight champion died on April 15, 2024, at age 45. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on February 2, 1979, and compiled a record of 42-6-0 (KO 13/KO by 5). Limond won 42 of his 48 professional fights from 1999 to 2023 – although only three bouts occurred after 2016. Four of his losses were to fighters who won world titles – Amir Khan, Anthony Crolla, Erik Morales, and Ricky Burns. “It’s a terrible day for Scottish sport,” Former world champion Josh Taylor told BBC Scotland. “The man, in general, was a larger-than-life character. He was always funny. He was one of life’s good guys. “It’s such a tragic, tragic loss. Scotland’s lost one of its favourite sons, especially in boxing. It’s a huge loss.” Limond was originally a footballer, playing five times for Albion Rovers in the late 1990s. In his distinguished boxing career, he held British super-featherweight, light-welterweight, and lightweight titles as well as Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU lightweight, and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight crowns. In a post on social media, his son Jake said his “dad passed away in the early hours of the morning.” “He fought on for near enough ten days. Warrior,” he added on Instagram. Limond fought countryman Burns in September, with the referee stopping the fight at the end of the eighth round because of excessive blood from his nose. He announced his retirement from the sport afterwards but was set to face Joe Laws at Emirates Arena in Glasgow on May 3. Laws posted on Instagram: “I’m absolutely devastated. Willie just wanted to make a better life for his family. “Willie, my old son, wait for me at the pearly gates – we can get it on. Legends never die.” Limond was found in an unresponsive state in a car in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, on April 6 and was taken to Monklands Hospital, where he died. Police Scotland say there are no suspicious circumstances.  BBC.COM/BoxRec

Joseph Makaringe – The former South African welterweight champion, known as “Smokin Joe” Makaringe, passed away on April 11, 2024, at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg at age 49. Makaringe was born in Giyani, Limpopo, South Africa, on January 2, 1975, and was active from 1996 to 2007, compiling a record of 30-4-0 (KO 25/KO by 1). He won the vacant South African welterweight title on February 20, 2000, with a tenth-round technical knockout win over Virgil Kalakoda. He made ten successful defenses of the South African title.  He also defeated Tshepo Mashego, Peter Malinga, Walter Fabian Saporti, Welcome Ntshingila, Philip Kotey, Phumlani Menziwa, and Ishmael Tetteh. His four defeats were to Jan Piet Bergman (L KO 3), Christian Bladt for the IBF Inter-Continental welterweight title (L UD 12), Alpaslan Aguzum for the WBC International welterweight title (L SD 12), and Issac Hlatshwayo for the vacant IBO welterweight title (L UD 12).    BoxRec

John Westgarth – The Wrexham, United Kingdom heavyweight, active from 1982 to 1992, passed away on April 8, 2024, aged 64, following a brain hemorrhage. He was born in Valetta, Malta, on December 23, 1959, and compiled a record of 11-15-3 (KO 8/KO by 11). John moved back to the UK at age three and settled in the Northeast. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that John moved to Wrexham. He was a popular rugby player in Wrexham and Llandovery as well as a professional boxer until 1992. He was famous for boxing five world champions during this time. John would often reminisce about sparring with the likes of Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis. In the early 1990s, John moved to Wrexham and restarted his rugby career, initially playing second row for Wrexham Rugby Club and then eventually securing a semi-professional contract with Llandovery. Leaderlive.coUK/News/BoxRec

Bud Becker – The Wilmington, Delaware middleweight, active from 1979 to 1983, died on April 8, 2024, at age 71. He was born Richard Oscar Becker in Middletown, Delaware, on July 4, 1952, and compiled a record of 3-4-1 (KO 1/KO by 2). BoxRec

Rickey Parkey – The former IBF cruiserweight champion, active from 1981 to 1994, died peacefully on April 7, 2024, at Morristown Heritage Center, surrounded by family after a short bout with lung cancer at age 67. He was born in Morristown, Tennessee, on November 7, 1956, and compiled a record of 22-20-0 (KO 16/KO by 11). Seventeen of his losses (eleven by kayo) occurred in his last nineteen fights. He defeated Lee Roy Murphy (for the IBF cruiserweight title), Pat Cuillo, Renaldo Snipes, Chisanda Mutti, Broderick Mason, Bobby Crabtree, Michael Arms, and Eddie Taylor. He also engaged Evander Holyfield (for the IBF and WBA cruiserweight titles), Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Alfonzo Ratliff, Bernard Benton, Johnny Du Plooy, Gary Mason, Anaclet Wamba, Axel Schultz, Kimmuel Odum, Nathaniel Fitch, and Kenny Keene. BoxRec

Jan Kies – The former South African middleweight champion boxer known for his exciting performances and powerful southpaw stance in the 1970s, has died at 76. Kies began his professional boxing career with a bang on March 31, 1969, knocking out Herbie Blom in the first round. Despite a setback in his fourth fight, losing to former national middleweight champion Johnny Wood, Kies’s career quickly gained momentum. He went on to remain undefeated in his next ten matches. The highlights of his career came in 1972 when Kies defeated several notable international fighters. In 1973, he clinched the South African middleweight title, beating Dominic Germishuys in a closely fought rematch. Despite facing defeat later that year, Kies defended his title successfully in 1974. The following years saw a mix of victories and losses for Kies, including a notable defeat for the vacant South African “Supreme” middleweight title in 1976 and the loss of the South African “White” middleweight title in 1977. After announcing his retirement, Kies briefly returned to the ring, securing a few more wins before facing defeats that ended his active boxing career in 1978. Kies concluded his boxing journey with a record of  31-11-0 (KO 21/KO by 5).  Scrolla, African News, April 3, 2024  BoxRec

Gerald Bois – The Vivier-au-court, Ardennes, France heavyweight active from 1975 to 1979, died April 1, 2014, at age 70. He was born in the same city on May 4, 1953, and compiled a record of 20-4-1 (KO 11/KO by 3). He engaged fighters such as Robert Amory, Chrisitan Poncelet, and Rab Affleck during his career. BoxRec

Lavell Finger – The Saint Louis, Missouri middleweight, active from 1989 to 2008, died March 26, 2024, at the age of 55. He was born in Saint Louis on August 9, 1968, and compiled a record of 26-3-0 (KO 13/KO by 3). Lavell was the twin brother of Terrell Finger who passed away in 2019. As an amateur, he won the 1986 National Golden Gloves as a lightweight. As a professional, he defeated Kip Diggs, Santos Cardona, Lionel Johnson, Pat Briceno, Curtis Byrd, and Benjamin Klingenstein. He also engaged Beibut Shumenov, Ray Collins, Eric Regan, and Richard Grant.  BoxRec

Billy Conlin – The Fitchburg, Massachusetts light heavyweight, active from 1965 to 1967, died March 24, 2024, at age 84. He was born William Louis Conlin in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on December 19, 1939, and compiled a record of 7-4-0 (KO 4). As an amateur, he won the 1957 Greater Lowell, Massachusetts 147-pound novice Golden Gloves championship, the 1957 New England AAU 156-pound championship, and the 1958 New England  AAU 165-pound championship. As a professional, he engaged Dick French, Pete Riccitelli, Al Kivlin, and Clarence Riley.  BoxRec

Alesia Graf  – The final bell tolled for Alesia “The Tigress” Graf as she unexpectedly passed away from unknown causes at 43 on March 22, 2024. Born Alesia Klimovich in October 1980 in Gomel, Belarus, she moved to Stuttgart, Germany, in 1999 to pursue studies, becoming a citizen in 2008. Inspired by Regina Halmich, a German boxing superstar and eventual IBHOF inductee, Alesia began boxing as an amateur in 2001, then turned professional in 2004 under the guidance of Hamburg, Germany-based Universum Box-Promotion. After posting a (12-1) record over her first two years as a professional, losing only to IBHOF inductee Alicia Ashley, Alesia won the GBU World Super-flyweight title with a ten-round, unanimous decision victory over Marilyn Hernandez. Alesia successfully defended the title eleven times over the next 4 ½ years and simultaneously secured and defended the WIBF title four times. She later elevated in weight and added the WBF World super-bantamweight title, making her a two-division world champion. Her record in championship bouts is outstanding (16-7, 8 KOs), and she has defeated Terri Lynn Cruz, Hager Shmoulefeld Finer, Esmeralda Moreno, and Zulina Munoz. Two of her losses are to current IBHOF inductees (Alicia Ashley and Ana Maria Torres), and three others are to potential inductees (Dina Thorslund, Mariana Juarez, Yazmin Rivas). Her friend and stablemate Regina Halmich posted the following message on Facebook: “I’m shocked and stunned. You were not only a training partner and world champion but also a friend. 44 years old—far too young to leave. I don’t understand it. What sad news. RIP, Alesia.  Courtesy of Mark Jones, IBRO  BoxRec   

Kevin Vieldhouse – The Wayne, New Jersey welterweight passed away from ALS on March 22, 2024, age not given. He boxed from 1984 to 1986 and had a pro record of 10-2-3 (KO 2/KO by 2). Eleven of his fights were fought in Atlantic City, and three others at Ice World in Totowa. Courtesy of Lou Esa and Henry Hascup  BoxRec