Surfing Icon Kelly Slater Pays Homage to Recently Deceased Boxing Legend With a Heartfelt Message

The sports world has recently been struck with some sad news. Boxing legend Anthony “Rumble” Johnson passed away on November 13th, 2022. The news spread to everybody, including Kelly Slater. The surfer shared his condolences through his Instagram story on November 15, 2022.

Sports like surfing take a lot of guts to do. Kelly Slater is a name that needs no introduction to surfing. The legendary surfer has won the World Surf League championship 11 times. He is also known as the most decorated surfer ever. Despite being in his 50s, Slater is still going strong.

Shocking news for Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater mourned after learning about the passing of Anthony Johnson. The death of the 38-year-old has affected not only MMA fans but also the whole sports community around the world.

“Never met @anthony_rumble but he was a legend and seemed like a good dude,” Slater said and continued, “Was sad to learn of his passing a couple days ago.”

The legendary surfer and boxer never met each other. However, Slater was very sad after learning about the death of the boxer.

Slater shared the above Instagram post from Will Harris Production in the same story where he posted about Rumble. “At the end of the day you have to find out what’s important to you. Not just what’s important,”  and it was the legacy of Rumble that would be carried for generations to come.

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The passing of the legendary boxer shocked everyone. Rumble’s talent had destined him for the big titles.Johnson competed in the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship for most of his career.

A tale of a legendary boxer

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was an American mixed martial artist. The legendary boxer retired in 2017. He also came back in 2021 with Bellator, but things weren’t going in his favor.

LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 20: Anthony Johnson celebrates his first-round knockout win over Glover Teixeira in their light heavyweight bout at the UFC 202 event at T-Mobile Arena on August 20, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

His health got worse after that. On November 13th, 2022, Johnson passed away from organ failure. It was caused by non-lymphoma Hodgkin’s and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. These are highly dangerous immune system illnesses.

He was not only just any boxer but also a motivational figure for a lot of MMA fans. Fans all over the internet are mourning together. Even if it has been days. Johnson also had a positive impact on MMA, which will be remembered throughout history. May his soul rest in peace.

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What is your favorite Anthony Johnson moment? Let us know in the comment section.