Remembering former world champion Keith Mullings

The boxing world received the news that Jamaica-born, New York-residing, former world champion Keith Mullings (16-8-1, 11 KO’s) has sadly passed away at the all too young age of 53.

Mullings fought for less than 8 years as a pro but appeared in 25 bouts, many at the world-class level. Throughout his career, Mullings would face 6 undefeated fighters, 6-world champions, win and defend the World Boxing Council super-welterweight championship and retire with the respect of every fighter he ever faced.

Mullings, a tough and talented boxer-puncher, turned pro in summer of 1993 and would go 14-3-1 in his first 18 bouts through to the summer of 1997. This included a win over rugged, undefeated Aaron Mitchell in his 3rd bout and a distance loss to future world title challenger Tony Marshall.

In the fall of 1997, he would get a world title shot against IBF super welterweight champion Raul Marquez and would go the distance losing a close, split decision.

However, in his next bout, in December of 1997, he would pull off the upset and beat “Terrible” Terry Norris to capture the WBC world super welterweight title. He would defend the title in March of 1998 before losing it in his 2nd title defense against Spain’s Javier Castillejo in January of 1999.

After that bout, Mullings would fight 3 more times, in the last 20-months of his career. But, he certainly didn’t look for a soft landing in his final ring appearances. Mullings would face undefeated Olympic star, and world champion, David Reid in a WBA super welterweight world title shot distance loss, then drop another distance fight to star Ronald “Winky” Wright before getting stopped, by then 23-0, English fighter Steve Roberts in London.

While Mullings didn’t have a long career, nor did he have a large number of bouts (compared to many of his contemporaries), to say his career was quality over quantity would be a huge understatement. Mullings was tough, talented, and fought the best of his era. A real old school pro.

A great fighter who left us too soon. On behalf of fight fans everywhere, thanks for the great nights in the ring Keith.

Gone but not forgotten.

Rest in peace, champ!