Philip Adyaka – The Saint Paul, Minnesota super featherweight, active from 2008 to 2021, died March 27, 2026, at age 43. Advaka was born in Kampala, Uganda, on December 15, 1982, and compiled a record of 7 -16-0 (KO 4/KO by 10). Eight of his losses, including 7 by knockout, occurred in his last eight fights. BoxRec
Charlie Allen was a middleweight boxer from Springfield, Missouri, who was active from 1967 to 1970. He passed away on January 31, 2026, at the age of 79. Born Charles Ralph Allen in the same city on May 29, 1946, he had a professional record of 3-0-1 (KO 3). BoxRec
Jordan Atlao – The Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, flyweight, died March 13, 2026, at age 23. According to sources, “Atalo passed away after following a sparring accident and remained comatose for 10 days before his untimely death.” Jordan was in the midst of preparing for his first match abroad, scheduled for this May in Japan. Atlao was active from 2022 to 2025 and compiled a 6-1-0 record (KO 5/KO by 1). BoxRec
Maurepas Auguste was a super middleweight boxer from Irvington, New Jersey, who was active from 1994 to 1998. He passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 54. Born Maurepas Louverlure August in Newark, New Jersey, on May 12, 1971, he compiled a professional record of 8-1-0 (KO 5). BoxRec.
Bonifacio Avila – The Cartagena, Colombia, welterweight and former Olympian, active from 1973-1979, died January 5, 2026, at age 75. Avila represented Colombia as a light middleweight at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, losing to Dieter Kottysch (West Germany). He was born Bonifacio Ávila Berrío in Colombia on June 5, 1950, and compiled a record of 17-9-3 (KO 14/KO by 7). He defeated Carlos Marks, Roy Edmonds, Don Lutz, Nelson LaSalle, John Harris, Garry Broughton, and JT Dowe. He also engaged Ayub Kalule, Carlos De Leon, Jean Claude LeClair, Elijah Makhathini, Alfredo Horacio Cabral, Lenny Harden, Eddie Melo, and Bob Patterson. BoxRec
Jochen Bachfeld – The former Olympic gold medalist passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born on December 17, 1952, in Suelte, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, and was one of many outstanding amateur boxers to emerge from the Traktor Schwerin boxing club in what was then East Germany. Bachfeld represented East Germany at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, where he won the gold medal with a perfect 5-0 record. Unfortunately, Jochen was forced to retire in 1980 due to an injury, finishing his amateur career with an impressive record of 107 wins and 15 losses. In that era, becoming a professional athlete in East Germany was impossible, despite the fact that they trained harder and more rigorously than many professional fighters. The Traktor Schwerin boxing club continues to thrive to this day. By Per-Åke Persson, Fightnews BoxRec
Sean Baker – The Bristol, Gloucestershire, UK, super welterweight, active from 1992 to 1995, died in early April 2026, at age 57. Baker was born on February 21, 1969, and compiled a record of 15-2-2 (KO 4/KO by 1). BoxRec
Jose Bisbal was a former Spanish bantamweight and featherweight champion from Almeria, Andalucía, Spain. He was active in boxing from 1961 to 1976 and passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 84. Born José Bisbal Carrillo on December 1, 1941, he compiled a professional record of 52-35-10 KO 5/KO by 5). BoxRec
Phil Boudreault – The former Canadian amateur super lightweight champion and 1996 Olympian, active from 2008 to 2009, died January 20, 2026, at age 50. He was born on January 23, 1975, and compiled a professional record as a super welterweight of 5-1-0 (KO 0/KO by 1). BoxRec
Roberto Bracco – The heavyweight from Savona, Liguria, Italy, was active from 1961 to 1966. He died on February 5, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born in Varazze, Liguria, Italy, on December 7, 1939, and compiled a record of 6-7-1 (KO 3/KO by 6) BoxRec
Nick Brinson – The Geneva, New York, middleweight, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 38 on September 10, 1987. He was born Nicholas A. Brinson in Rochester, New York, on September 10, 1987, and was active from 2008 to 2019. Affectionately known as “Nick” and later as “The Machine Gun Brinson,” he was recognized for his quick feet and fast hands, natural talents that led him to begin boxing at the age of 12. What started as a skill quickly became a passion, and that passion shaped the course of his life. In 2006, Nick reached a major milestone by winning the U.S. National Golden Gloves Championship. He went on to compete professionally from 2008 to 2019, earning an impressive record of 19 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws (KO 9/KO by 4). Boxing was more than a sport to Nick-it was a part of who he was, and a love he always hoped to return to. Legacy Obituary / BoxRec
Robert Brown – The Brigantine, New Jersey, welterweight who was active from 1984 to 1988, and best known as actor Bobby J. Brown, died in a barn fire in Maryland on February 26, 2026, at the age of 63. He was born in Washington, District of Columbia, in 1963 and compiled a record of 4-2-0 (KO 2/KO by 1). BoxRec
Miguel Canto – Former Mexican world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer Miguel Canto Solís passed away on April 16, 2026, in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, at the age of 78 due to a heart attack after suffering from various health issues. Canto was born in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, on January 30, 1948. He won the WBC flyweight championship on January 8, 1975, becoming the first person from Yucatán to win a world title, and he successfully defended it 14 times. Known as “El Maestro,” Canto is celebrated as one of the most technically skilled boxers in Mexican history, recognized for his defensive style and precise counterpunching. Over his 13-year career from 1969 to 1982, Canto fought 74 times, compiling a record of 61 wins, 9 losses, and 4 draws (with 15 wins by KO and 5 losses by KO), and faced notable opponents including Ignacio Espinal and Betulio González. (Source Gabriel F. Codero, Fightnews) / BoxRec
Osvaldo Castillo – The Cuban super heavyweight amateur boxer, active from 1986 to 2000, passed away in early April 2026. His age at the time of death is unknown. During his amateur career, his most notable victory was over 34-year-old Teofilo Stevenson, whom he beat by split decision in the third round. This match occurred toward the end of Stevenson’s career. Additionally, he lost to Jorge Luis Gonzalez and faced Roberto Balado four times, losing three by decision and once by stoppage. BoxRec
Ruben Castillo – The former featherweight and super featherweight contender from Bakersfield, California, who was active from 1975 to 1997, passed away on February 25, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 68. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, on December 19, 1957, and compiled an impressive record of 67 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws (KO 35/KO by 2). His family informed 23ABC that he died in Beaumont, California, in Riverside County, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Castillo, famously known as “The Conquistador,” was celebrated for his charisma in the ring and his relentless fighting spirit. He participated in several high-profile bouts, including world title matchups against Hall of Famers Julio César Chávez, Salvador Sánchez, Alexis Argüello, and Juan Laporte. (Newspaper source) BoxRec
Mike Castronova – The Youngstown, Ohio super welterweight, active from 1981 to 1987, died March 8, 2026, at age 65. He was born in the same city on January 26, 1961, and compiled a record of 23-12-0 (KO 12/KO by 7). BoxRec
Tommy Fix – The Shelby, Ohio, bantamweight/featherweight, active from 1961-1977, died on January 23, 2026, at age 88. He was born Thomas Monroe Fix in Clifton Forge, Virginia, on June 11, 1937, and compiled a record of 9-28-0 (KO 5/KO by 12). During his career, he engaged Frankie Crawford, Kenny Weldon, Ray Jutras, Cowboy Billy Smith, Gene Young, Marion Thomas, and Bobby Rodriguez. BoxRec
Eddie Fox – The Pembroke, Bermuda featherweight active from 1949 to 1950, died January 9, 2026, at age 97. He was born Edmund Lionel Fox, and compiled a record of 4-2-0 (KO 1).BoxRec
Giampaolo Gabanetti – The former Italian junior middleweight champion, active from 1963 to 1969, died on January 7, 2026, at age 84. He was born in Cignano di Offlaga, Lombardia, Italy, on November 18, 1941, and compiled a record of 17-3-2 (KO 9/KO by 6). During his career, he defeated Giancarlo Raccagni, Ciro Cipriano, Elio Niero, Vid Stilija, and engaged Jean-Claude Bouttier, Domenico Tiberia, Luciano Piazza, Antonio Aguilar, and Aldo Battistutta. BoxRec
Tom Hannah – The former middleweight contender from Detroit, Michigan, died March 17, 2026, at age 84. He was born Thomas Henry Hannah in Mississippi on June 7, 1941, and compiled a record of 28-8-2 (KO 9/KO by 5). He was a highly decorated amateur boxer before turning professional. As a professional, he fought Tony Licata, Gratien Tonna, Dwight Davison, Ronnie Harris, Eddie Mazon, Edgar Wallace, Gary Summerhays, and Jimmy Gradson. BoxRec
Beau Jaynes – The Lowell, Massachusetts lightweight, active from 1965 to 1980, died February 22, 2026, at age 79. He was born Robert Charles Jaynes in Lowell, Massachusetts on March 1946, and compiled a record of 51-46-0 (KO 12/KO by 18). Beau Jaynes was a prominent figure in Lowell’s boxing history and one of the city’s finest boxers. Known as “Irish Beau Jaynes,” he won the 1965 New England Golden Gloves title as a featherweight and finished his amateur career with a record of 37 wins and 9 losses. He made his professional debut later that year and held five titles across four weight classes during his 15-year career. Recognized for his solid chin and effective combinations, Jaynes traveled worldwide as a boxer and took pride in his legacy, retiring in 1980. BoxRec / Obituary
Benjamin William Johnson – The 18-year-old amateur boxer was hailed as a hero after tragically dying on January 1, 2026, while trying to save a friend from a bar fire at a Swiss ski resort. Johnson, the son of a British expatriate, was one of the 40 victims of the New Year’s Eve inferno that devastated the popular Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, as reported by the Daily Mail. Daily Mail.com BoxRec
Jose Godoy – The featherweight from Cartagena, Colombia, who was active from 1962 to 1974, passed away on March 14, 2026. His age at the time of death is unknown. Godoy retired with a record of 12 wins, 15 losses, and no draws (4 wins by KO and 10 losses by KO). BoxRec
Marian Kasprzyk from Kielce, Poland, was an accomplished amateur in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions. He won a gold medal in the welterweight category at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. Additionally, he earned a bronze medal in the light welterweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He also competed in the 1968 Olympic Games but was eliminated in the first round. Born on September 22, 1939, in Kielce, Poland, he passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 86. BoxRec
Serafino Lucherini – The super lightweight boxer from Brescia, Lombardia, Italy was active from 1962 to 1972. He died in February 2026 at the age of 85. Born in Orzivecchi, Lombardia, Italy on January 26, 1941, he compiled a record of 21-32-11 (KO 10/KO by 5). BoxRec
Tony Mann – The Northampton, Northamptonshire, BoxRecUK welterweight, active from 1963 to 1964, died at age 87 on February 7, 2026. He was born Anthony Alfred Mann on May 13, 1938, and compiled a record of 0-4-0 (KO by 3).
Javier Marquez – The former Mexican featherweight champion, active from 1980 to 1997, died February 17, 2026, at age 63. He was born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico on August 24, 1962, and compiled a record of 40-21-4 (KO 21/KO by 16). BoxRec
Rocky McCaleb – Rockford Larry McCaleb, a heavyweight from Rochester, Minnesota, was active in boxing from 1976 to 1987. He passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on November 21, 1956, in the same city, McCaleb compiled a professional record of 15-1-3 (KO 5). Before becoming a professional, he had a successful amateur career from 1966 to 1976, participating in 94 contests and winning multiple Minnesota and Midwest Golden Gloves titles, as well as competing in various national tournaments. BoxRec
Paul McCullagh Jr., a rising star in the boxing world affectionately known as the ‘Irish Drago,’ passed away on New Year’s Day 2026 at the age of 25. He died peacefully in a Belfast hospital following a short but aggressive battle with bone cancer, a diagnosis that came only recently. A light-heavyweight prospect with an unblemished professional record, McCullagh was widely viewed as the heir to one of Ireland’s most prestigious fighting dynasties. McCullagh’s pedigree was legendary; he was the grandson of the renowned coach Paul McCullagh Sr., who trained world champions like Barry McGuigan and Dave ‘Boy’ McAuley. Carrying the weight of his family name with grace, Paul Jr. carved out his own path, claiming the Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019. That same year, he represented Ireland in international competition against the Netherlands, showcasing the power and technical skill that would define his transition to the professional ranks. He turned professional in 2020, winning his debut by stoppage and quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite for his humble demeanor outside the ring and his ferocity inside it. He trained at the St. John Bosco Boxing Club and at his family’s gym, McCullagh’s ABC, where he served as a mentor to younger fighters. His final fight extended his undefeated streak to 2-0, leaving fans eager for a future that has now been tragically cut short. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) and numerous clubs have issued statements expressing their devastation, remembering him as a ‘true gentleman’ and a ‘formidable presence.’ He is survived by his father, professional referee Paul McCullagh, and his extended family, who have lost a son, a brother, and a champion far too soon.” BoxRec / Obituary
Dennis Milton – The Bronx, New York, middleweight known as ‘The Magician’, was active from 1985 to 1995 and died on January 27, 2026, at the age of 64. He was born on August 23, 1961, and compiled a professional record of 16-5-1 (KO 5/KO by 4). He defeated Gerald McClellan, Robbie Sims, Michael Olajide, Jose Antonio Martinez, and Pat Brennan. He also engaged Julian Jackson, Bernard Hopkins, and Aaron Davis. As an amateur, Milton won four New York Golden Gloves Championships. He won the 165 lb. Open Championship in 1981, followed by three consecutive victories in the 156 lb. Open Golden Glove Championships in 1982, 1983, and 1984. Notably, he defeated future World Champion Iran Barkley in 1982 to win the 165 lb. title. Milton trained at the Police Athletic League’s Webster Center in the Bronx and also won both spring and winter national AAU Light Middleweight Championships in 1982. BoxRec
Johnny Moreno – The San Antonio, Texas, bantamweight, active from 1971 to 1977, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 73. Moreno was born John C. Moreno in the same city on March 24, 1952, and had a professional record of 13-8-0 (KO 9/KO by 6). Before turning professional, he won the 1971 National Golden Gloves 119-pound title. BoxRec
Rick Myers – The Columbia, Illinois heavyweight active from 1979 to 2010, died January 26, 2026, at age 69. He was born Richard Alan Myers in Belleville, Illinois, on September 24, 1957, and compiled a record of 14-16-1 (KO 7/KO by 7). A heavyweight journeyman, he fought notable boxers such as Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Evander Holyfield, and Leon Spinks. He returned to the boxing ring at the age of 52 on June 18, 2010, after a 17-year break in Missouri, earning the title of the world’s oldest active professional boxer. BoxRec
Joe Nadeau – the Grand Forks, North Dakota, amateur flyweight active from 1978 to 1980, died on March 3, 2026, at age 61. He was born Joseph Elliot Nadeau in Deadwood, South Dakota, on November 19, 1964. BoxRec
Martin Ogilvie – The Scotland, UK, welterweight known as the “Lochee Whirlwind” who thrilled boxing crowds with relentless aggression and warmth away from the ring, died January 4, 2026, at age 68. He was born Martin De Porres Ogilvie in the city of Lochee, Dundee, Scotland, UK, on October 20, 1957, and carved out a reputation as one of the city’s most feared amateur fighters in the 1970s and 1980s. He had a single professional fight in 1989 on a card that also featured fellow Dundee legends Billy Buchanan, George Kerr, and Graeme Watson. BoxRec
Antonio Puddu – The former EBU and Italian lightweight champion passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 81, reports boxeringweb.net. Puddu, promoted by Umberto Brachini, first fought for the EBU title in 1971 but fought to a 15-round draw against Miguel Velazquez in Spain. In a rematch later the same year at home in Cagliari on the island of Sardinia, Puddu stopped Velazquez in four rounds and won the title. He defended the belt three times and challenged WBC champion Rodolfo Gonzales in Los Angeles in 1973, but was stopped in seven. He then challenged Ken Buchanan for his former title and later moved down to junior lightweight to challenge EBU champion Svein Erik Paulsen, but he fell short in both attempts. Puddu continued his career, achieving a 10-4 record before retiring in 1979 with an overall 65-8-1 (KO 42/KO by 3). After retirement, Puddu promoted many shows in Sardinia and was instrumental in the success of European champion Simone Maludrottu. By Per-Åke Persson, BoxRec
Paul Ramos – The bantamweight from Los Angeles, California, active from 1958 to 1959, died on February 26, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born in Denver, Colorado, on July 2, 1937, and compiled a record of 2 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws (with 1 KO win and 1 KO loss). BoxRec
Rocky Rosas – The Passaic, New Jersey, welterweight active from 1984-1999, died February 20, 2026, at age 64. He was born Rock Rosas in the same city on November 27, 1961, and compiled a record of 10-7-1 (KO 6/KO by 4). BoxRec
Ken Schmidt – The Hamden, Connecticut heavyweight known as the “Hamden Hammer,” active from 1979 to 1982, died February 10, 2026, at age 75. He was born Kenneth Joseph Schmidt in the same city and compiled a record of 13-3-0 (KO 9/KO by 3). BoxRec
Jorge Silva – The Alapa, Nicaragua heavyweight, active from 2024 to 2025, passed away on March 2, 2026, after a motorcycle accident. He was 24. He was born Jorge Luis Silva Ramos and compiled a record of 3-1-1 (KO 2/KO by 1). BoxRec / Obituary
John Darkie Smith – The Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK super welterweight, active from 1962 to 1972, died in early March 2026, at age 83.He was born John Smith in Wednesbury, West Midlands, UK, on April 28, 1942, and compiled a record of 9-16-5 (KO 4/KO by 14). BoxRec
Buck Thornton – The Muskogee, Oklahoma, middleweight, active from 1965 to 1974, died February 4, 2026, at age 87. He was born Herman Edward Thornton in Braggs, Oklahoma, and compiled a record of 8-17-2 (KO 8/KO by 12). BoxRec
Cesar Valdez – The Mexicali, Baja California super lightweight, active from 1990 to 2008, died January 20, 2026, at age 61. He was born Cesar Valdez Valenzuela San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico and compiled a record of 29-14-2 (KO 23/KO by 9). BoxRec
Keith Webster – The former Neopit, Wisconsin amateur bantamweight, active from 1974 to 1978, died February 8, 2026, at age 65. He was born Keith Frank Webster and was the 1977 Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament 119-lb champion. BoxRec
Orlando Wiet – The super middleweight from Amsterdam, Netherlands, was active from 1994 to 1999. He passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 60. Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, on October 24, 1965, he compiled a boxing record of 8-8-0 (KO 4/KO by 2). In addition to boxing, he also competed in kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA), compiling a combined record of 12-13-0 (KO 7/KO by 4). BoxRec
Ronald L. Williams – The heavyweight from Rock Island, Illinois, was active as an amateur boxer in the 1980s. He notably lost to Mike Tyson on March 22, 1983 (RSCO-1) in the United States National Golden Gloves 201+ pounds category, Round One. Williams was born on February 25, 1956, and had a brief professional career with a record of 2 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw (KO 1). He passed away on January 31, 2026, at the age of 69. BoxRec