Deaths in the world of sports see tributes being sent out as athletes and executives of the past and present mourn the departed individual. WBC chairman Mauricio Sulaiman tweeted a tribute to former boxing world champion Jean-Baptiste Mendy, who succumbed to cancer.  

He wrote, “Im saddened to report the passing away of former WBC champion Jean-Baptist Mendy at the age of 57 in France. We could not defeat cancer. May he Rest In Peace”

The Senegalese born French fighter boxed professionally for 17 years and claimed the WBC lightweight championship at 33 in 1996. This was his first world title and marked the culmination of a 13-year struggle since his debut at Guise. 

He beat Gilles Beaurain on points and returned to the ring three times in the next two months. Like most boxers kicking off their careers, he was active and fought 38 times in the 1980s. This included a maiden bout in his home country in 1988, where he scored a five-round points victory against Sanna Kabore. 

Jean-Baptiste Mendy competes for boxing championships

Mendy’s first championship opportunity came in his forty-second fight. He fought Angel Mona for the France light championship and won the 10-round match via an opening-round TKO. 

Two years later, the Frenchman competed for the EBU European light title. He beat Antonio Renzo for the belt and defended it in his next eight matches. During his EBU belt defenses, he earned a shot at the WBC lightweight belt but suffered a TKO defeat against Miguel Angel Gonzalez. 

Later, he beat Lamar Murphy for the belt but lost it in his next fight. Undeterred, Mendy rose to the top of the division once more. This time, he won the WBA lightweight championship against Orzubek Nazarov and successfully defended his belt. 

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In his final bout, Mendy outscored Pedro Garcia and retired from boxing on a high with 55 wins in 66 matches. The boxer, like many of his peers, ascended to the top and then faded into oblivion post-retirement.  Old school boxing fans may still remember the Frenchman for his 31 KOs. Our condolences go out to the dear ones of Jean-Baptiste Mendy.