Former boxing champ Fullmer dead at 83

Gene Fullmer, who twice defeated legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, has died, aged 83.

International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Gene Fullmer has died, aged 83.

The former middleweight champion who twice defeated the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson, widely regarded as the greatest fighter of all time, was a long-time sufferer of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, passed away on Monday following a bacterial infection.

The American turned professional in 1951 and defeated Robinson in 1957 to win the world title.

Fullmer lost the title in a rematch, but regained the his belt in 1959 by beating Carmen Basilio and defended it seven times.

He defeated Robinson for the second time in 1961, the year Fullmer was named the Boxing Writers Association of America's Fighter of the Year.

Fullmer retired in 1963 with a 55-6-3 record, including 24 knockouts.


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