He was the second German to win a World Championship in 1976 when he secured the WBC Super Welterweight title. He defended his title three times.
From 1991 to 1994 he was the coach of Dariusz "Der Tiger" Michalczewski and worked for Universum Boxpromotion.
The chronical and excessive abuse of alcohol followed his life. He once said: "A lot of World Champions became an alcoholic, but I am the only alcoholic to become a World Champion"
He lost his last fight vs cancer.
After Max "Black Uhlan from the Rhine" Schmeling and Gustav "Bubi" Scholz he is now the third boxing legend in this country who is not among us anymore.
R.I.P.