Fortunately, most boxers manage to avoid the heartbreaking instances of in-ring fatalities. Yet, many remarkable fighters have tragically left us far too early. Here, we explore the 10 most stunning boxing deaths that occurred outside the ring.
Pernell Whitaker
Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker is celebrated as one of his era’s finest boxers, known for his thrilling yet defensive boxing style. He earned an Olympic gold medal and became a four-weight world champion, also being named Fighter of the Year in 1989. Tragically, 18 years after retiring, Whitaker was killed by a vehicle while crossing the street in Virginia Beach, VA, at the age of 55.
Mylik Birdsong
Mylik Birdsong was a promising welterweight on the verge of success. He rebounded from his sole professional defeat to win the WBF international title, but before he could defend it, tragedy struck. Six months later, Birdsong fell victim to gun violence in Los Angeles, where he was fatally shot while outside his mother’s home. His record stood at 15-1-1 at the time.
Hector Camacho
Hector Camacho was known for his flamboyant persona and entertaining fights, capturing world titles in three weight classes and defeating legends like Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard. His life after retirement was tumultuous, marked by legal issues and reality TV appearances. In 2012, Camacho was tragically murdered in a drive-by shooting just miles from his hometown.
Diego Corrales
On May 7, 2005, Diego Corrales amazed fans with one of boxing’s most remarkable comebacks against Jose Castillo. However, two years later, he suffered a fatal motorcycle accident in Las Vegas. He was thrown into oncoming traffic after colliding with a car and was found to have been intoxicated.
Vernon Forrest
Vernon Forrest retired boasting a 41-3 record and was a two-weight class champion. Tragically, less than a year after retirement, Forrest was murdered outside an Atlanta gas station while confronting a robber who attempted to steal his vehicle. He was shot in the back eight times by an accomplice.
Tommy Morrison
Tommy Morrison, a notable heavyweight from the 1990s, was also known for his role in Rocky V. His boxing career came to a halt in 1996 after a positive HIV test. He continued to fight sporadically until health issues arose. Morrison passed away in 2013 from septic shock, surrounded by controversy regarding his health status at the time of his death.
Trevor Berbick
Trevor Berbick is primarily recognized for his fight against Mike Tyson and his victory over Muhammad Ali in the latter’s last match. In 2006, Berbick was brutally murdered in Jamaica, being attacked with a steel pipe. Two men, including his nephew, were later arrested and charged with his murder.
Arturo Gatti
Arturo Gatti, renowned for his aggressive fighting style and acclaimed trilogy with Mickey Ward, was found dead in a Brazilian hotel two years after his retirement. Initially, his wife was charged with murder, but an investigation later determined that Gatti had committed suicide, leaving behind a legacy of thrilling fights.
Edwin Valero
In his eight years in the boxing ring, Edwin Valero achieved world titles in two weight classes, finishing his career undefeated. However, after his wife’s tragic death, he became the primary suspect and was found dead in his jail cell, having committed suicide. This dark chapter overshadowed his promising career.
