Mexican Gabriel Bernal, former world flyweight champion, died on Thursday in Mexico City, the World Boxing Council (WBC), based in this capital, reported today.
Bernal, 58, conquered the WBC world flyweight championship by defeating Japanese Koji Kobayashi by knockout in two rounds on April 9, 1984, in Tokyo, Japan.
The Mexican, who was born on March 24, 1956, in the southern state of Guerrero, exhibited the title twice, the first against Frenchman Antoine Montero in Nimes, France, whom he defeated by technical knockout in 11 rounds.
On the second occasion he faced Thailand’s Sot Chitalada in Bangkok, where he lost by split decision.
Bernal, who was managed by Arturo «Cuyo» Hernández, retired on April 12, 1992, after losing by unanimous decision to Colombian Miguel «Happy» Lora in Bogotá, and left a service record with 43 victories (28 against the limit), 14 defeats and three draws.
In his honor, the World Boxing Council decreed three days of mourning starting today.
Former champion Gabriel Bernal dies
