Livingstone Bramble, the former WBA lightweight champion, has died at 64. The cause of death wasn't disclosed. Bramble's passing adds to the recent mourning in boxing, following George Foreman's death.
Born in St Kitts and Nevis, Bramble made his mark as a great counter-puncher in the lightweight division. He started his pro career in 1980 and fought until 2003, amassing a record of 40 wins (25 by knockout), 26 losses, and 3 draws.
Bramble grabbed the WBA lightweight title in June 1984 with a TKO victory over Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo. He successfully defended his title twice - in a close unanimous decision rematch with Mancini a year later and against Tyrone Crawley. Bramble's reign came to an end in 1986 when Edwin Rosario knocked him out in a shock defeat.
The eccentric Rastafarian fighter was known for his unusual promotional tactics. Before his second fight with Mancini, Bramble pulled out a voodoo doll at a press conference. He poked its eyes with a needle and said, "Ray, tell me how you feel your eyes. Look how your eyes pop out now." At another media event, he brought a ceramic skull, leading many to think he was "crazy."
Bramble's manager, Lou Duva, had interesting things to say about his fighter:
"I tell my young fighters that if they want to do everything right, don't watch Bramble. He does everything wrong, but it turns out he's right. His opponents don't know what's coming next, and that pause to try to figure it out becomes their undoing."
Duva also admitted:
"The truth is, he's a nutcase. After each of his fights, I'm in a psychiatric hospital for ten days to recover. I can't control him, you can't educate him, he doesn't listen to me."
Bramble's career took a downward turn early on and lasted longer than it should have. His record ended up with many defeats. Despite this, fans will remember him as a peculiar guy who knew how to sell fights and was out for fun.
The champion was famous for his unusual pets. He often came to the ring with a boa constrictor named Dog. He also owned a pit bull terrier called Snake and a ferret named Spider.
Bramble's unique approach to boxing and life will be missed in the sport.
