Cem Kilic sadly passes away
German-born Turkish national Cem Kilic (17-1, 11KO) has sadly passed away at the age of just 29. He was born June 6, 1994.
The super-middleweight title contender was based in LA, America. Trained by Freddie Roach, he had his pro debut in Glendale, California in December 2014. From 2017, he was trained by Buddy McGirt.
The Turkish Boxing Federation President, Eyüp Gözgeç, stated, “We have learned the news of the death of one of our former National Boxers, Cem Kilic.
“We wish patience to the grieving relatives. Rest in peace.”
The fighter, who had ties to Turkey and Germany, fought on the Tyson Fury vs Tom Schwarz undercard in Las Vegas in June 2019. Despite going down in the first round, he was able to come back to stop Martez McGregor in the eighth and final round at the MGM Grand.
His sole career loss was to Steven Nelson in 2020, when challenging the 15-0 fighter for the vacant WBO NABO super-middleweight title. Kilic was stopped in round eight of 10 by the Nebraskan, who is still unbeaten to date, now 19-0.
He bounced back with three straight victories, but hadn't fought at all in 2023.
Kilic’s manager, Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset LLC, shared an emotional tribute to his protege, “Never thought I would be writing something like this right now. I am in shock. RIP Cem Kilic.
“[He was] The first fighter that took a chance on me, someone who moved from Germany to Los Angeles. Cem lived with me for seven years and was part of my family.
“Those who know, know. Cem and I were always side by side. We had so many highs and lows. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but the memories we made together will never fade.
“You will always be remembered… RIP “Champ” Cem Kilic. We went to war together.”
Elazıgspor Football Club added its sympathies through an official page on X, “We are saddened to learn of the death of Cem Kılıç, who was a boxer in our Club between 2011 and 2015.
“He succeeded in becoming the Turkish champion in youth and the third place in Turkey in seniors under our Crescent Star Çayda Çır crest.
“May God have mercy on our late former athlete Cem Kilic. We express our condolences and patience to his relatives and loved ones.”
As an amateur, Kilic won the Turkish National Championships (Under 19) in 2012. The year before, he reached the quarter-finals.
BBN would like to offer deepest sympathies to all of Cem's family and friends at this difficult time.
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