Boxing World Mourns Livingstone Bramble’s Death – ‘I’ll Miss His Smile’
Former WBA Lightweight Champion Livingstone Bramble has passed away at 64.
It is the second passing in recent times that has rocked the boxing world following George Foreman’s death. Bramble left his mark on the sport with two thrilling fights against Ray Mancini, and he came out on top in both bouts. He secured a shock win in the first fight by stopping his man in the 14th round to become the WBA champion. The rematch was still thrilling as Bramble edged out a decision. Bramble would continue for another 17 years since those 1984-5 bouts. He ended his career with a 40-26-3 record. His former manager, Lou Duva, gave an insight into the former fighter.
“I tell my young fighters that if they want to do everything right, don’t watch Bramble. He does everything wrong, but it turns out he’s right. His opponents don’t know what’s coming next, and that pause to try to figure it out becomes their undoing. The truth is, he’s a nutcase. After each of his fights, I’m in a psychiatric hospital for ten days to recover. I can’t control him, you can’t educate him, he doesn’t listen to me,” Duva revealed
The boxing community has come out in droves to pay their respects.
Reaction
“I met Bramble years ago at Golden Gloves Gym [in Las Vegas]. Being a fan, I asked him when he was going to fight next. He stopped, looked at me and said, ‘Now, if you ask again!’ We became friends after that moment. “One of the hardest punchers I ever did pads for. A true friend. I’ll miss his smile,” Roberto Duran said
“Bramble was a true wildcard — an unorthodox fighter whose skill and durability were often underrated. He defended his belt twice, once in a rematch against Mancini and then against Tyrone Crawley. Beyond his ability in the ring, Bramble was known for his eccentric personality. A dedicated vegetarian and an avid snake lover, he famously walked to the ring with a live reptile draped around his shoulders, a spectacle that fascinated fight fans.
“Though he never regained championship gold after losing his title to Hector “Macho” Camacho, he remained a respected and battle-hardened competitor throughout his long career. The World Boxing Association expresses its deep sorrow over the loss of this fearless warrior and extends its condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Livingston Bramble,” WBA said
“The WBO is saddened by the passing of former WBA champion Livingstone Bramble. Born in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and raised in Saint Croix, Bramble was 135-pound titlist with an exciting style. Our condolences to his loved ones. May he Rest In Peace,” WBO said
“Terrible weekend with the passing of George Foreman, Colin Hart and Livingstone Bramble. I’ve tried to do Big George and Colin justice in Boxing News tributes,” Graham Houston (writer inducted in the Hall of Fame) said
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