The boxing world is mourning the loss of another athlete as fighter Kimbo Slice has passed away at the age of 42.
News of the boxer and MMA fighter’s death, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, was confirmed by Scott Coker, MMA promoter.
"We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family. One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport.”
Slice became famous for mutual combat street fights that were splashed across YouTube, but left the underground fighting scene and signed a professional contract in 2007.
“Outside of the cage, he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family and all of Kimbo's friends, fans, and teammates," Coker said in a statement.
On June 6, the fighter was admitted to a hospital near his home in Coral Springs, Florida. He later died. No foul play is suspected in Slice’s death, but the exact cause of death has not been released. Slice leaves behind six children and his long-time girlfriend.
