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Former champion Berbick found dead

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KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Trevor Berbick, who lost his heavyweight title to Mike Tyson and was the last boxer to fight Muhammad Ali, was found dead in a church courtyard in his hometown, police said. He was 52.

Police were treating Berbick's death as a homicide, Inspector Victor Henry said.

The fighter's body was discovered about 6:30 a.m. in his hometown parish of Portland, with wounds to his head.

According to radio reports, Berbick, who had returned to live on the island, had had several run-ins with neighbors over land disputes.

Berbick briefly held the WBC version of the heavyweight title in 1986 with an upset points victory over Pinklon Thomas on March 22.

His reign came to a swift end eight months later in his first defense, when Tyson knocked him down three times in the second round before referee Mills Lane intervened.

Berbick had earned a title shot in 1981, losing a 15-round decision to Larry Holmes but in his seconds fight after that defeat he ended the career of the great Ali by winning a unanimous decision over 10 rounds in Nassau.

Berbick, born in Norwich, Port Antonio, Jamaica, led an eventful and troubled life.

His last bout was in May, 2000 when he outpointed Canadian journeyman Shane Sutcliffe over 12 rounds. Afterwards a scan revealed a blood clot in his brain and his boxing license was revoked.

The twice-married Berbick, father of six children, was arrested several times and was sentenced to five years in 1992 for sexual assault. He served only 15 months but in 1997 violated his parole and was ordered to be deported from America.


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