Remembering Kenny Vice

I have been writing too many of these lately. Sadly, the boxing world has to say goodbye to another fallen warrior, former lightweight Kenny “The Ragin’ Cajun” Vice.

Vice, who reportedly died from complications associated with CTE, was 64.

In his career (32-9, 26 KOs), he certainly faced off against some of the very best of his era. Vice had tremendous KO power and could take you out with one shot if he caught you with the right punch.

Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, he turned pro in 1983 after a successful amateur career. He would fight for 12 years as a pro and face some of the best of his era.

His resume included world title challenger Harold Warren, South Africa’s Brian Baronet, Mexican legend Julio Caesar Chavez, world champion Livingstone Bramble, British world title challenger Jim McDonnell, world title challenger Frankie Mitchell, Detroit’s Jackie Beard, and world champion Dingaan Thobela, to name a few.

Fighters like Vice fly under the radar of casual boxing fans. In truth, they are vital to the sport. They can challenge the best of their era. While they don’t always win, they provide the tough challenges that allow elite fighters to develop into world champions.

Kenny Vice beat anyone less than the top tier during his time. He could go rounds with some very good fighters, earning the respect of everyone he fought.

Rest in peace.