It’s been over five months since fans heard any news from Errol Spence Jr. The former unified welterweight champion has kept a low profile since experiencing his first career defeat to Terence Crawford on July 29.

However, in recent days, he appears to have reengaged, particularly in online activities, sharing family vacation pictures with followers. So today, he took a moment on his Instagram story to express his condolences for the untimely passing of a young boxer. It was tagged to a post that the now-late fighter had posted a few months ago, on August 11.

Cem Kilic: Promising Boxing Talent

Errol Spence Jr. said, “Cool Guy Rip.” A boxer of Turkish origin, Cem Kilic, was twenty-nine when he passed away. The cause of his demise is yet to be ascertained. Born in Germany, the super middleweight relocated to the United States when he was 19 years old. A 2012 Turkish National Championship winner (amateur-under 19), the resident of California’s Sherwood Oaks made his professional debut on December 6, 2014. He was on a winning spree and suffered his first professional loss to Steven Nelson three years ago. But he bounced back soon, winning the next three fights.

He last fought Marco Delgado on August 4, 2022, winning the bout unanimously. Cem Kilic’s record stood at 17 wins against a single loss, alongside a knockout-to-win rate of 65%. It appears legendary trainer Freddie Roach coached him initially. However, from 2017 onwards, Buddy McGirt took over the charge.

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Heartfelt Tributes

Tributes have been coming in from several corners, mourning the loss of the promising boxer. The president of the Turkish Boxing Federation said, “We have learned the news of the death of one of our former national boxers. We wish patience to the grieving relatives. Rest in peace.”

Kilic’s former manager, Shane Shapiro, said, “Never thought I would be writing something like this right now. I am in shock. RIP Cem Kilic, the first fighter that took a chance on me… Me and Cem were always side by side… we had so many highs and lows and 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.”

ES News‘ Elie Seckbach, while paying homage to the departed soul, brought to light how Cem Kilic has sparred with some of the biggest names in boxing. It includes Canelo Alvarez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and David Benavidez. Having had the chance to interview the young boxer a couple of times, Seckbach recalled him as a “super talented, super nice person, always smiles, always offering help; he was one of those good guys… always in a good mood, always happy.”

Though not many details are available regarding Kilic’s family, it appears from one of his posts that he leaves behind a loving wife and mother. EssentiallySports extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Cem Kilic in this period of sorrow.

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Given the upsetting news, please feel free to share your tributes and thoughts with us in the comments below.

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