Former boxing champion Thierry Jacob passes away at 59

Thierry Jacob, the former French boxing champion, has died at the age of 59, according to an announcement made on Friday by the mayor of his hometown, Calais.  

Jacob achieved international acclaim in 1992 when he claimed the WBC super bantamweight title by defeating Mexico’s Daniel Zaragoza.

The fight took place in front of an enthusiastic crowd in his home city, marking a historic moment in French boxing.

Jacob’s legacy as a world-class boxer and his contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community. Fans and fellow athletes are mourning his loss while celebrating his remarkable career.

“We begin this day with sad news. Thierry Jacob died overnight, so young,” Natacha Bouchart, mayor of the northern port city, announced on Facebook.

Jacob turned professional in 1984, retiring a decade later with a 39-6 record, losing his WBC title at his first defence against American Tracy Harris Patterson in New York.

One of his sons, Romain Jacob, followed him into the ring, claiming the European super featherweight belt in 2014.