Former world title challenger Andre Thysse dead at 52 following COVID-19 fight

Former tremendous middleweight title challenger Andre Thysse handed away Thursday morning following a quick battle with COVID-19 and alleged pneumonia. He was 52.

The South African challenged Markus Beyer for the WBC title in February 2004 in Germany, the place he was soundly outpointed by the homecoming king.

Recognized for not ducking challenges, Thysse squared off towards future unified 168-pound titlist Mikkel Kessler when the Dane was undefeated simply 4 months later, however was knocked out within the eleventh spherical.

Thysse (20-8, 12 KOs) continued to battle on however would by no means style world title glory. Following an eight-round factors victory over Emmanuel Duma in September 2009, he began his personal promotional firm, Actual Metal Promotions. He by no means publicly introduced his retirement and as a substitute bowed out to his subsequent occupation.

Final December, Thysse bumped into hassle after he was accused of violating COVID-19 laws at a card headlined by heavyweights Tian Fick and Joshua Pretorius in Western Cape, South Africa.

The disciplinary committee of Boxing South Africa discovered Thysse responsible and suspended him till February 2022, which included a revoke of his promotional license. Moreover, BSA additionally dominated that Thysse must pay roughly $11,000 to get his license again. The identical price ticket utilized if Thysse had tried to acquire a supervisor or teaching license.

Thysse appealed the ruling and BSA revealed on July 7 {that a} listening to would happen later this month. However he contracted COVID shortly after the announcement and handed away from the virus.