Former undisputed world middleweight champion Alan Minter has passed away after a battle with cancer, aged 69.
After securing a bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics, the Crawley southpaw turned pro later that year and embarked on a glittering career that saw him conquer America and mix it with the best.
Minter won the British and European middleweight crowns before earning world honours with a memorable, split decision victory over Vito Antuofermo in Las Vegas in March 1980.
Three months later, Minter beat Antuofermo in a return via an eighth-round retirement before losing his title in his second defence after suffering severe facial injuries against emerging great Marvin Hagler (LTKO3) in September 1980. He retired the following year with a 39-9 (23 KOs) record.
British boxing swiftly paid tribute to the fallen warrior.
“Just heard the very sad news that our boxing family has lost one of our own in former world champion Alan Minter. You’ll always be a British boxing legend and a gentleman Alan. My love & very best wishes go out to Ross & the whole minter family at this time. Ricky. X.” – Ricky Hatton.
“Very saddened to hear of the passing of my friend & former world middleweight champion Alan Minter. My condolences to Ross & all the family. RIP Boom Boom.” – Barry McGuigan.
“Alan Minter RIP. Alan & I worked together many times a great boxer in his day I would ask people to look at the old footage of him fighting a great boxer, a sad day for British Boxing RIP Boom Boom.”- Frank Bruno.
“Just heard the sad news about Alan Minter. Minter was a solid southpaw, good puncher. Marvin Hagler was too much for him but Minter had some good wins, including gruelling 3-fight series with Kevin Finnegan. RIP Alan.” – Graham Houston.
“Very sad to hear the news about Alan Minter. He really was one of our greats.” – Billy Graham.
“All at Queensberry are very sad to learn of the passing of Alan Minter. Our deepest condolences to his loved ones. Boxing has lost one of it’s real gentlemen. RIP.” – Frank Warren/Queensberry Promotions.
Everyone at Boxing Social passes on their deepest condolences to the Minter family at this sad time. Alan’s achievements and gentlemanly manner outside the ring will never be forgotten.