EeHH.CO.UK

Ex-British boxing champion Kirkland Laing dies aged 66

Former British and European champion Kirkland Laing has died aged 66.

Laing, who retired from boxing in 1994 with a record of 43 victories, 12 defeats and one draw, will be best remembered for producing one the finest performances by a British fighter on American soil when he upset the great Roberto Duran back in 1982.

That was the greatest victory of Laing's career but his life outside of the ring spiralled into drink and drugs after that famous night in Detroit.

Laing, who reportedly blew all of his earnings and lost his next fight, would never challenge for a world title but would go on to win the British title four more times and the European belt after beating Duran before he walked away from the sport. 

His tragic passing comes just seven years after he survived a fall from a fourth-floor balcony in Hackney. The incident, which happened in 2013, saw Laing rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Legendary promoter Frank Warren paid tribute to Laing after news of his death surfaced online. 

He wrote on Twitter: 'All at Queensberry are very sad to hear news of the passing of former British & European Welterweight Champion Kirkland Laing. Our thoughts are with Kirkland’s family at this time. RIP Champ.'

The Jamaican-born fighter was adored by British boxing fans and enjoyed a successful 20-year career before he retired.

Laing largely stayed away from working in boxing after he hung up his gloves and spent the last 15 years of his life living close to his Nottingham family. 

Reference: Daily Mail: Jordan Seward For Mailonline