‘Cuckoo’ ex-boxing world champion dubbed ‘hardest puncher ever’ dies as tributes are paid
Former boxing world champion Livingstone Bramble has died at the age of 64 as tributes pour in for the eccentric and much-loved West Indian star
Former boxing world champion Livingstone Bramble has died at the age of 64.
Born Ras-I Alujah Bramble, the West Indies icon held the WBA lightweight belt for two years between 1984 and 1986.
Bramble is best remembered for his two victories over Hall of Famer Ray Mancini, including a knockout victory over his rival at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium to win the WBA lightweight belt in 1984.
He retained the belt in the rematch against Mancini a year later and against Tyrone Crawley before he lost the crown to Edwin Rosario in an upset knockout defeat in Florida.
Bramble turned professional in 1980 and ended his career in 2003 with defeat to Armando Robles. He finished with 40 victories in 69 fights, including 25 wins by knockout.
Tributes came in for the eccentric personality, who had a pet snake named Dog, a pet dog called Snake and a ferret called Spider, with his former manager and trainer Lou Duva saying he was a “nut, a real coconut head, a cuckoo.”
His friend Stitch Duran also paid a touching tribute, saying: “One of the hardest punchers I ever did pads for. A true friend. I’ll miss his smile.”
Fans also took to social media, with one writing on X: “God Bless Livingstone Bramble. Thanks for the memories.” A second echoed: “Livingstone Bramble is someone I’ve admired for a long time, a true warrior and an exceptional person outside the ring, RIP.”
Bramble’s death comes after the sad news of George Foreman and Colin Hart’s passing earlier this week. Another fan added: “Losing Foreman, Hart & Livingstone Bramble all in the one weekend is definitely a horrible weekend for boxing fans.”
