Former undisputed middleweight champion Alan Minter passes away aged 69
- Planet Sport writer
- 10 September 2020
Alan Minter won the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight world titles from Vito Antuofermo in March 1980.
Former undisputed middleweight champion Alan Minter has died from cancer at the age of 69.
The boxing legend had been a long-term sufferer of cancer, and he passed away on Wednesday at Guildford hospital.
'Boom Boom' enjoyed a great professional career which spanned nine years between 1972 and 1981.
Minter also enjoyed a glittering career in the amateur ranks, which included over 100 fights.
The Crawley-born brawler represented his country at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, winning a Bronze medal after losing in the Quarter-Finals.
Minter was involved in some classic fights over the course of his career and was a real fan favourite for boxing purists.
Before he won his world title, he had already been British, Commonwealth and European champion as he fought his way up through the middleweight ranks.
Alan Minter, left, facing Marvin Hagler in 1980 at Wembley Stadium for the world middleweight title
His long-awaited shot at a world title came against Vito Antuofermo at Caesers Palace in March 1980.
He got the win in unfamiliar surroundings via split decision, to Antufermo's frustration.
The former champion's team disputed the scorecards, and a rematch took place three months later. This time Minter won convincingly to retain his belts as Antuofermo retired in the eighth-round.
His second defence was against Marvin Hagler, but Minter suffered a clear defeat as Hagler became the new undisputed champion.
After three more fights, Minter retired aged 29 with a record of 39-0-9. He hung up his gloves with the reputation of being one of the best fighters of the '80s.
Alan Minter with his son, Ross Minter, in 2001
His son, Ross Minter, turned professional in the welterweight division in 2001. He boxed until 2008, and he retired with a record of 17-1-4.
On his father's passing, Ross said:
"Dad was extremely proud of being undisputed world champion and I was always very proud when I was out with him to see how popular he was with people long after he had retired."
