Boxing in shock as ‘Champ’ Cem Kilic, 29, dies

BOXING/MMA /

World Boxing News regrets to report that former super middleweight contender Cem Kilic has passed away at the age of just 29 years old.

Kilic, who last fought in 2022, returned to three wins after suffering a first loss to Steve Nelson in January 2020. His record was 17-1.

No cause has yet been given for Kilic, and the Turkish Boxing Federation notified the sport of his untimely death.

Boxer Cem Kilic dies

Eyüp Gözgeç, president and board of directors of the Turkish Boxing Federation, said: £We have learned the news of the death of one of our former national boxers, Cem Kilic.

“We wish the grieving family members patience. Rest in peace. Rest in peace.

The fighter, who had ties to Turkey and Germany, fought on the Tyson Fury vs. Tom Schwarz undercard in Las Vegas. He defeated Martez McGregor seven months before facing Nelson.

Elazıgspor Football Club expressed its solidarity through an official page on X.

“We are saddened to learn of the death of Cem Kılıç, who was a boxer in our Club between 2011 and 2015.

“He managed to become the Turkish junior champion and the third place in Turkey in senior under our Crescent Star Çayda Çır shield.

“May God have mercy on our late former athlete Cem Kilic. We express our deepest condolences and patience to his family and loved ones.”

Manager Shane Shapiro pays tribute

Kilic’s manager, Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset LLC, delivered an emotional tribute to his protégé.

“I never thought I would be writing something like this right now. I am in shock. RIP Cem Kilic.

“[He was] The first fighter who took a chance on me, someone who moved from Germany to Los Angeles. Cem lived with me for seven years and was part of my family.

“Who knows, knows. Cem and I were always by each other’s side. We had so many ups and downs. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but the memories we made together will never fade.

“You will always be remembered… RIP “Champ” Cem Kilic. “We went to war together.”

Kilic defeated Marco Delgado convincingly at Quiet Cannon Country Club in Montebello in August of last year. That fight will forever be the last.

WBN would like to offer its condolences to Cem Kilic’s family and friends at this horrible and sad time.

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