Rocky Faces the Final Bell

[SenorPipino]

Some sad news for us longtime boxing fans.

The Retired Boxers Foundation is reporting that former world junior lightweight champion Rocky Lockridge. a staple of 1980s televised boxing, is hospitalized and has been removed from life support.

Lockridge has suffered a host of health problems over the years, including a stroke that affected his speech and left him with a severe limp.

In addition, Lockridge battled drug and alcohol addiction for years and had been homeless.

If you were around and watching weekend televised boxing back in the 1980s (mostly on NBC), you couldn't miss seeing the dynamic Rocky Lockridge.

He was touted as one of "Tomorrow's Champions." His resume included terrific battles with such notables as Eusebio Pedroza (twice) Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan LaPorte, Tony Lopez, Roger Mayweather, Cornelius Boza-Edwards, and Wilfredo Gomez.

He won the WBA world super featherweight championship in 1984 with a stunning first round KO of Roger Mayweather. Three years later he took the IBF version of that crown by stopping Australia's Barry Michael.

In 1980, Lockridge had lost a very controversial decision to Pedroza in a bout for the featherweight title. An even more debatable decision went against him when Lockridge dropped his WBA championship to Wilfredo Gomez over 15 rounds. He appeared to win at least 10 of those rounds.

Only Juan LaPorte was able to stop Lockridge. Even a young JC Chavez had to settle for a tough majority decision over Lockridge in 1986.

Lockridge retired with a 44-9 record, 36 KOs. It's a cliche, but Lockridge was truly never in a dull fight.

Now, the final bell awaits.

[Cent0089]

In addition, Lockridge battled drug and alcohol addiction for years and had been homeless.

These things always make me sad. R.I.P

[oogiebe]

Sad indeed.

[Duran1970]

Was a big fan of his ... always entertaining tv fighter..thought he beat Gomez comfortably and arguably robbed twice vs Pedroza ...man I miss the 80s.

[SenorPipino]

Former world junior lightweight champion Rocky Lockridge, 60, died this morning from what is described as "complications from a stroke."

Toll the 10 count for another of boxing's fallen warriors.

[oogiebe]

Former world junior lightweight champion Rocky Lockridge, 60, died this morning from what is described as "complications from a stroke."

Toll the 10 count for another of boxing's fallen warriors.

Thankfully, he didn't suffer. Really too bad.

[SenorPipino]

Former world junior lightweight champion Rocky Lockridge, 60, died this morning from what is described as "complications from a stroke."

Toll the 10 count for another of boxing's fallen warriors.

Thankfully, he didn't suffer. Really too bad.

[Tony1244]

Some of these guys die so young. But it still amazes me he was 60, as I remember him a young man.

It's ironic how as youths, we look up to these guys and see them as larger than life. In reality, they are often in mental, physical, and financial ruin.

[SenorPipino]

Some of these guys die so young. But it still amazes me he was 60, as I remember him a young man.

It's ironic how as youths, we look up to these guys and see them as larger than life. In reality, they are often in mental, physical, and financial ruin.

For so many of them, when their purpose for living ends (boxing retirement) they fall apart.

They become lost and return to the street lifestyle they knew before finding success in sports.

[Tony1244]

Some of these guys die so young. But it still amazes me he was 60, as I remember him a young man.

It's ironic how as youths, we look up to these guys and see them as larger than life. In reality, they are often in mental, physical, and financial ruin.

For so many of them, when their purpose for living ends (boxing retirement) they fall apart.

They become lost and return to the street lifestyle they knew before finding success in sports.

So very true.

I almost expect these big names to be living the life of Riley in a mansion like we saw in Rocky 2. hardly ever the case. I think Duran and Michael Spinks aren't doing too badly though.

[JohnMcMinn]

Sad to hear that he battled addiction and homelessness, like so many former boxers. I'm ashamed to admit that my only familiarity with Rocky is that video where he KOs a guy who's harassing him on the street. I need to go watch some of his fights now. RIP.