Former WBF Heavyweight Champion Mike Bernardo expires – Boxing news
Mike Bernardo, former WBF heavyweight champion, died at 42 in Cape Town.
Mike Bernardo was a professional boxer and professional kick boxer. Cause of his death remains unknown for now.
Mike Bernardo retired from boxing in 2004 on December 31 due to an injury he sustained in his previous fight. He never entered the ring again since he never completely recovered from the injury. He won the vacant WBF title against Dan Jerling by defeating
the latter in the sixth round. The bout took place in May 2000, in which Bernardo knocked out the Czechslovakia fighter Dan Jerling.
Later on, Mike defended his WBF title against Peter McNeely, the American pugilist, in Cape Town in 2001, on June 8. He knocked him out in just 41 seconds making it his fastest knockout. However, due to being inactive for long, Bernardo was stripped off
his belt in May 2002.
Bernardo exhibited his kick boxing skills in 1994 in the K-1 competition in Japan. He was nicknamed Beru-chan within the region. His skills were not just limited to fighting but he also took part in five World Grand Prix finals.
Mike Bernardo made his professional boxing debut on February 28, 1993, against Delius Musemwa. Mike was able to knock out Delius in the third round to show his dominance in the world of boxing.
However, his booming start was short-lived when he was knocked out in the first round by Anton Nel in his next fight. Bernardo’s career saw many ups and downs with time. He remained inactive between 1997 and 1999. He made his ring return in January 2000
to knock out Scott Conner in the second round in January 2000.
With his multi-talented personality, Mike Bernardo achieved more than what he ever desired. He took pride in calling himself a man with edges in every sport. His demise came as a shock to the world of boxing since he was rated among the best boxers of this
decade.
With his achievements and his personality, he made place in the hearts of many. News of his early death has not only shocked his family members but even his fans and fellow boxers around the world.
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