As the clock strikes midnight tomorrow, the world will usher in a new year. Boxing, like every other pursuit, will continue its forward march. The events of 2024 will forever remain etched in history, paving the way for a future filled with anticipation and excitement. Fans are already eagerly awaiting thrilling fights and electrifying moments in the year ahead.

Yet, amidst this anticipation, it is essential to remember those who won’t be joining us on this journey. This year, we bid farewell to several members of the boxing community. Their contributions and legacies will never fade, living on in the hearts of fans and loved ones. As we close the year, let us reflect on their lives and honor their memory.

Lionel Elika Fatupaito

On the same day the 33rd Summer Olympic Games began in Paris, the boxing world was struck with sadness as Samoa’s national boxing coach, Lionel Elika Fatupaito, passed away. At 60, he was guiding heavyweight boxer Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, Samoa’s sole representative at the Olympics.

Fatupaito reportedly passed away from natural causes. The International Boxing Association (IBA)’s statement read, “We at the IBA extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, who tragically passed away during Paris 2024.”

They expressed admiration for Lionel Elika Fatupaito’s commitment and love for boxing. Highlighting how his influence has made a lasting impact on the sport and its community, they offered support to Team Samoa and everyone mourning this significant loss. The amateur boxing body emphasized how Elika Fatupaito’s legacy will inspire future boxers.

On his Instagram story, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali wrote, “No words can express how I feel, but rest in love, Coach Lionel.”

Lemuel Silisia

In July, tragedy struck in Australia when boxer Lemuel Silisia passed away a few days after his first title fight against Adam Flood. Born in the Solomon Islands, Silisia made Tamworth in New South Wales, Australia, his home. The fight for the World Boxing Foundation Australasian super lightweight title took place at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre. In front of nearly 1,000 hometown spectators, Silisia, known by his moniker ‘Lucky’, knocked down his opponent. However, he lost the bout on points.

It appears that he suffered head injuries during the fight, which subsequently proved fatal. He was later taken to the hospital, where he eventually passed away.

Having shifted to Tamworth in 2021 for work and to build a career in boxing, Silisia, also nicknamed ‘The Destroyer’, started his professional journey last year. Winning his first fight against Ashley Roshinhaskew, he went on to win the next two bouts, improving his standing to stake a claim to the Australasian title.

His trainer, Jamie Carroll, recalled, “Lemuel was and always will be like a son to me, a brother to the rest of the One2Boxing family, and the most humble and giving person you could meet.”

Sherif Lawal

In May, London-based boxer Sherifdeen ‘Sherif’ Lawal tragically passed away after collapsing in the ring. Fighting against Portuguese fighter Malam Varela at the Harrow Leisure Center, Lawal’s professional debut took a devastating turn when, in the fourth round of the scheduled six-round middleweight fight, a right from Varela knocked him down.

The referee waved off the fight so that medical staff could attend to Sherif Lawal. He was subsequently taken to the hospital but sadly could not be saved.

In their condolence message, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) wrote, “Condolences to the family of Sherifdeen Lawal following his tragic passing after his boxing contest on Sunday…the thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”

Even Tyson Fury joined in expressing his sorrow: “God rest his soul. You go in there; you’re getting paid for danger. We’re there to inflict damage on each other by punching each other in the head and body, and unfortunately things like this happen now and again.”

Ardi Ndembo

On April 5, Brazzaville, Congo-born heavyweight boxer Adri Ndembo passed away following a knockout loss to Nestor Santana. The 27-year-old fighter was competing in a Team Combat League (TCL) tournament held in Coral Gables, Florida.

Reportedly, after receiving the knockout blow, he was unconscious for several minutes. He was taken to the hospital, where the doctors placed him under an induced coma. Sadly, Ndembo never came out of the unconscious state and three weeks later passed away.

Though based out of Cape Town, South Africa, Ardi Ndembo shifted to the United States last year. Professionally, Ndembo commenced his career in 2019. He maintained an unbeaten record of 8 fights, out of which 7 were secured through early stoppages. The fight against Santana marked his TCL pro debut.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman joined many followers while paying his tributes: “May he rest in peace. Ardi Ndembo has passed away in Miami. Our condolences go to his family.”

Kazuki Anaguchi

Early in February, following a monthlong battle, young 23-year-old Kazuki Anaguchi from Japan left for the heavenly abode. The bantamweight prospect from Osaka, Japan, had suffered a subdural hematoma, or bleeding in the brain, during his fight against fellow countryman Seiya Tsutsumi.

The ten-round fight at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena took place on December 26 on the Naoya Inoue–Marlon Tapales card. Giving a splendid account of himself, out of the ten rounds, Anaguchi secured six in his favor. But he suffered four knockdowns, thus allowing Tsutsumi a tightly contested victory.

Kazuki Anaguchi was immediately rushed to the hospital for treating the brain injury. For the entire month of January he was in a coma. Sadly, Anaguchi could never regain consciousness. He was an undefeated fighter who began his professional career in 2021. Anaguchi will be remembered as a rising star with immense potential.

Ubayd Haider

Early last month, the boxing world lost the talented fighter from Fiji, Ubayd Haider (born Nathaniel Singh). The 25-year-old, who came from a well-known boxing family, died at the Lautoka Aspen Hospital following a match on October 26.

The fight at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, Fiji, for the IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title against China-born Runqi Zhou ended in a ninth-round technical knockout loss for the Fijian southpaw. Finding him reeling under Zhou’s attack, the referee eventually stopped the fight. He collapsed after the fight.

At the hospital, doctors observed that he was suffering from brain hemorrhage. Following an emergency brain surgery, he went into a coma that lasted two weeks. Sadly, he never came out of his coma and passed away on November 10.

Described as one of the most promising boxers to emerge from the island nation, Ubayd Haider’s loss resonated strongly within the local boxing community.

Sophie Healy

The proud Irish boxing community experienced a profound loss with the passing of 15-year-old Sophie Healy, one of its rising stars. A two-time national boxing champion, Healy was a member of Father Horgan’s and Golden Gloves Boxing Clubs in Churchfield, County Cork.

Following the passing of the young fighter, numerous tributes poured in, with reports indicating that she passed away ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’.

Paul Bamba

Two days ago, the boxing world was struck with deep sorrow upon hearing of the passing of professional boxer Paul Bamba. The 35-year-old fighter, was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Two years ago, he made headlines when his name was linked to a fight against Tommy Fury on the Deji Olatunji-Floyd Mayweather Jr. card in Dubai.

Just six days before he passed away, Paul Bamba had won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight championship after defeating Rogelio Medina Luna in New Jersey. A veteran of the elite Marine Corps he served a tour in Iraq. Bamba ultimately turned to boxing as a way of coping with life’s challenges.

Following his loss to Chris Avilla in 2023, Bamba turned a new page in his career. This year he won 14 consecutive fights, all by knockout, and broke Mike Tyson’s previously held record. The cause of Bamba’s death has not been confirmed. He was managed by the sports management team of R&B singer Shaffer ‘Ne-Yo’ Smith.

As we look ahead to the new year, let us carry forward the memories and legacies of these remarkable individuals. Their contributions to the sport will never be forgotten, and their impact will resonate for years to come.

May they rest in eternal peace. You may share your messages in the comments section below.