Tributes have come pouring in for deceased super-middleweight prospect Cem Kilic. The Turkish boxer, who competed on Tyson Fury’s undercard back in June 2019 when the Gyspy King defeated Tom Schwarz at the MGM Grand, was found dead over the holiday season. He was just 29 years old.
Eyup Gozgec, president of the Turkish Boxing Federation, announced on Friday: “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, added: “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, someone who moved from Germany to Los Angeles, lived with me for 7 years and was part of my family. Those who know, know.
“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.”
Kilic ended his career with a record of 17-1 (11KOs) with his the sole blemish of his career coming against Terence Crawford’s stablemate Steven Nelson back in January 2020. He quickly got back on the horse and recorded three straight wins before his untimely death.
His last bout came in August 2022 when he beat Marco Delgado (7-3) at the Quiet Cannon Country Club, Montebello via unanimous decision. Arguably the best win of Kilic’s career came in 2018 when he took DeAndre Ware’s undefeated record on a Showtime card headlined by Devin Haney and Juan Carlos Burgos.
The people at Wild Card Boxing Club, where Kilic trained for many years, also paid tribute to the fallen boxer on Instagram: “We so very deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cem Kilic.
“Gone far too soon. Our condolences to the Kilic family and to all those affected by his passing. Rest in peace, Cem. You will be greatly missed.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit:
. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
