MOUNT KISKO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — After a long battle with lung cancer, legendary Boxing writer, historian, and one of the all-time great characters, Bert Sugar, of Chappaqua, New York passed away this Sunday afternoon at the age of 74.

He was surrounded by family at Northern Westchester Medical Center in Mount Kisco.

READ MORE via Legendary Boxing Writer And Historian Bert Sugar, Former Publisher And Editor Of ‘Boxing Illustrated’, Passed Away At 74 Sunday In Mount Kisco « CBS New York.

He sat in the corner of Muhammad Ali’s fights for many years, and is truly a legend in the boxing world. Angelo Dundee will be missed by many. Rest in peace.

Director:
Gerard Roxburgh

Executive Producers:
Dan Caldwell and Sophia Tavernakis

Producer:
Kirk Porter

CoProducer:
Lance Dumais

Associate Producer: Wali Razaqi

Cinematographer:
Matt Irwin

Composer:
Helen Patience

An awesome person has passed. RIP Jack LaLanne.

LOS ANGELES — Jack LaLanne, the fitness guru who inspired television viewers to trim down, eat well and pump iron for decades before diet and exercise became a national obsession, died Sunday. He was 96.

LaLanne died of respiratory failure due to pneumonia Sunday afternoon at his home in Morro Bay on California’s central coast, his longtime agent Rick Hersh said.

via Fitness guru Jack LaLanne, 96, dies at Calif. home – U.S. news – Life – msnbc.com.

I’m sad to find out that Ross “The Grizzly” Clifton has reportedly died from a heart attack. He was 32 years old. Clifton’s most notable fight came in the form of an armbar submission loss to Ken Shamrock. Standing at 6’8″ tall and weighing close to 400lbs, Clifton looked menacing, but always seemed to be a nice guy.

According to The Grizzly’s former trainer, UFC veteran Cal Worsham, the fighter was found by his wife Friday morning where he had been watching TV in a recliner when his wife went to bed the night before.

Cal Worsham described Clifton to MMAWeekly as “a jovial teddy bear inside of a grizzly’s body.”

Wow, Dana White wins.

After Josh Barnett tested positive for a banned steroid earlier in the week, the company scrambled to find a replacement to fight Fedor Emelianenko. There were rumors about Vitor Belfort, but evidently nothing ever happened, and now the entire event is cancelled.

This is the final blow for Affliction, I don’t think they will ever succeed. I also think it was a stupid move to cancel the entire event, unless there are circumstances we don’t know about (Showtime or other sponsors pulling their money out?)

In a news release, Affliction Entertainment Vice President Tom Atencio said “Finding an opponent for the number one-ranked MMA heavyweight champion in such a short period of time was a huge endeavor, and I’m thrilled at the amount of fighters willing to take on this challenge, but in the end, we just didn’t have enough time to promote a new fight to our standards.”

Is that true, or are there other reasons? Did Fedor’s management not want him to fight someone else on such short notice? Are they protecting him? I know there are many fighters who would be glad to step up and fight Fedor, even on short notice, just for the chance.

I would also say this definitely takes away some of Fedor’s bargaining power when it comes to dealing with the UFC. Where else will he fight?

The actor and star of the 1970′s television show Kung Fu, was found dead in his hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand. The death is being called an apparent suicide. RIP David Carradine

Man this is shitty news. Charles “Mask” Lewis is dead as a result of an automobile crash in Newport Beach, California. Dude was a character, and had his critics, but the guy truly loved the sport of MMA and was generous to fans and up-and-coming fighters. He was 45 years old.

Tapout posted this message on their website:

DEAREST FRIENDS AND FAMILY
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we must regretfully confirm the passing of our beloved friend, brother and co-founder Charles “Mask” Lewis following a car accident that occurred last night. We are currently in the process of setting up a memorial service in his honor and will release more details as they become available.

Many thanks to all for the outpouring of blessings and well-wishes during this incredibly difficult time.

RIP Mask.

The martial arts world has lost a legend. At 95 years old, Helio Gracie passed away in his sleep early Thursday morning in Rio de Janeiro, according to Sherdog.com. He had been admitted to a local hospital with stomach problems a few days earlier.

Helio was the youngest of 8 children born to Cesalina and Gastao Gracie. It is said that he learned traditional jiu-jitsu by watching his brother, Carlos. However, Helio’s small frame made it difficult for him to execute the moves, and as a result, he adapted the techniques to fit his physical limitations. Helio is known as the father of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Helio’s son, Rorion Gracie, is credited with developing the idea of creating the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Damn it was just a few days ago I posted about Justin Leven’s death, and now I find out Justin Eilers was shot dead early this morning after an argument with an ex-girlfriend. Sounds like her current boyfriend did the shooting, but details are kind of sketchy.

Two MMA “Justin” deaths in one month. Bizarre?

Justin Eilers was a 4 time UFC veteran, with fights against names like Andrei Arlovski, Pual Buentello, and Brandon Vera. Eilers overall pro MMA record stands at 19-7-1.

RIP Eilers.

Unbelievable. Just 28 years old, UFC veteran Justin Levens and his wife Sarah McLean-Levens were found shot to death in their home in California. TMZ first reported the death, and their website says that cops are investigating the deaths as a murder/suicide.

Levens has fought notable names such as Evan Tanner, Vladimir Matyushenko, Jorge Santiago, Scott Smith and Reese Andy. However, Levens hasn’t fought in more than a year, and lost his last 5 fights.

Unbelievable. I don’t want to believe it’s true, but it seems it is. Evan Tanner’s body was found in the desert a few miles away from a deserted campsite where his motorcycle was also found. I’m speechless right now.

Husband, father, and MMA Fighter Sam Vasquez passed away on November 30th 2007, after being hospitalized since an October 20th fight at a Renegades Extreme Fighting event.

It was widely speculated that Sammy had sustained a massive brain injury that occurred during the fight, and according to Steve Sievert at the Houston Chronicle, it has now been confirmed that Sam Vasquez is the first mixed martial arts fighter to die from injuries sustained in a sanctioned MMA match.

According to Steve Sievert’s article:

The official ruling from the medical examiner’s office stated that Vasquez died of “complications from blunt trauma to the head with subdural hemorrhage.”

A subdural hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel bursts and blood builds up between the brain and its outer lining, which exerts pressure on the brain.

Most subdural hemorrhages are triggered by impact to the head, resulting from a car accident or severe fall. It’s an injury rarely seen in mixed martial arts.

R.I.P Sammy Vasquez.

It’s not mixed martial arts, but still in the realm of “combat sports”, I just saw this posted from the Texarkana Gazette:

Toughman contestant dies
By: Lori Dunn – Texarkana Gazette – Published: 02/15/2008

A man who was hospitalized after competing in a local Toughman Contest last weekend has died.

Brandon Twitchell, 23, of Elkhart, Texas, died Thursday at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, hospital spokesman Francine Francis said.

Twitchell fought Friday night and Saturday night in the annual Toughman Contest at the Four States Fairgrounds. His family said they believe he sustained brain injuries during the competition.

After the fights on Saturday, Twitchell was taken from the fairgrounds by LifeNet ambulance to the hospital, where it was discovered he had brain injuries.

Twitchell’s parents said he had been in critical condition and on life support since being hospitalized.

“He died today around 11 a.m. on his own without the assistance of machines,” Brandon’s father, Mike Twitchell, said Thursday.

Hundreds of contestants sign up for the Toughman fights every year in 44 states and abroad. The fighters are separated into several weight classes and by experience, according to www.toughmancontest.com.

All fighters must be 18 and in good physical condition, according to the Website.

Also, fighters submit to drug testing and Breathalyzer testing prior to the fights.

In a previous interview, Lydia Robertson, spokesman for the Toughman Contest, said the dangers of boxing are explained to contestants in detail and they must sign a release from responsibility with the understanding they are participating in a dangerous event.

Mike Twitchell said funeral arrangements for his son were pending.

“He will be buried … in his hometown of Elkhart,” he said.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt and veteran PrideFC fighter, Ryan Gracie has long had troubles with the law. It seems as if those troubles are over now, as he was found dead in his jail cell according to GracieMag.com.

Ryan Gracie was grandson to Carlos Gracie, one of the original founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When Ryan Gracie fought for PrideFC in Japan, he was billed as the “bad boy of the Gracie family” because of his reputation for getting into trouble.

MMA-Extreme.com

Supposedly, Ryan has been arrested before for various troubles, and was recently arrested for stealing an automobile (carjacking) and injuring a 77 year old man. He was later found dead in his prison cell.

From the GracieMag website:

News to make the fighting world tremble. According to news carried by Globo TV, the black belt Ryan Gracie was found dead in the cell where he was being held at a police station in Sao Paulo after having been accused of car theft yesterday in the city of Sao Paulo. According to the Sao Paulo State Secretariat of Public Security, Ryan was alone in the cell.

GRACIEMAG.com sympathizes with the Gracie family and should be back shortly with further information as to Ryan’s death.

10:24

According to the G1 news website:

“Ryan was sent to the 91st PD, after having toxicology exams done at the central IML at around 2:30 am. He arrived at the police station in Vila Leopoldina at 3 am. According to the officer on call of the 15th Police District police officer Daniella Ranna, where the athlete’s case was registered for having tried to steal a motorcycle, he was sent to the 91st DP because it is a traffic station. From there, he would have been seen to the “most recommendable” location.

According to the Secretariat, at around 7am, when policemen at the station were checking the cells with their detainees, they found the fighter fallen in a corner. They entered and confirmed that he was dead. At around 10 am, coroners were already at the location to do the necessary exams and send the body to the institute.

It seems as though the sport of Mixed Martial Arts has had it’s first death from a sanctioned fight in the United States. I’m sure you’ve already read about Sammy Vasquez  being comatose and battling for his life since an October 20th MMA fight with Vince Libardi during a Renegades Extreme Fighting show in Houston, Texas.

Vasques took a number of punches from Libardi before collapsing in the ring and the fight was stopped at 2:50 of the third round. Medics tried to revive Vasquez in the ring for several minutes before he was taken St. Joseph Medical Center, where he remained until being transferred hospice care, where he died on November 30th.

Sammy Vasquez lived in Houston, Texas, and he left behind a wife (Sandra) and child (Ronin Rickson). A memorial fund has been set up by TEXAS MMA Fight Shop. Donations can be sent to:

TEXAS MMA FIGHT SHOP
c/o Sandra Vasquez
5720 Mobud
San Antonio, Texas 78238

from http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbenoit0626,0,3311723,print.story?coll=ny-top-headlines

WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and family found dead
BY ALFONSO A. CASTILLO
alfonso.castillo@newsday.com

June 25, 2007, 8:58 PM EDT

Renowned pro wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife and their 7-year-old-son, were found dead Monday afternoon in their Fayetville, Ga. home, Atlanta police said.

Police would not give any details on how Benoit, 40, his wife Nancy, and son Daniel died, other than to say they were not shot to death, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported Monday. Authorities are investigating the deaths.

The news came just a day after Benoit mysteriously pulled out of a World Wrestling Entertainment pay per view event, during which he was expected to be crowned Extreme Championship Wrestling world champion. Various pro wrestling news sources reported that Benoit was unable to appear at the event due to a family emergency.

“There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities,” the WWE said in a statement on its Web site.

Benoit was a 22-year ring veteran and perennial favorite of wrestling purists, who praised his high-intensity style and technical acumen. His aggressive wrestling technique earned him the nicknames “The Crippler” and “The Rabid Wolverine.” In 2000 and 2004, he was named Oustanding Wrestler of the Year by the Wrestling Observer newsletter and in 2004 he was named Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine.

The Edmonton, Canada native trained to become a wrestler in Calgary, and honed his skills in Japan before becoming a regular on U.S. national promotions in the mid-1990s. Benoit’s career highlight took place in New York, when he won his first World Wrestling Entertainment world heavyweight championship in Madison Square Garden in the main event of WrestleMania XX.

Benoit cried as he celebrated in the ring with his wife and son, as well as best friend, wrestler Eddie Guerrero, who died in 2005.

“Wrestling has consumed my life,” Benoit said in a 2004 WWE career retrospective video. “Wrestling is my mistress. It’s my passion. It defines who I am as a person.”

WWE last night canceled its scheduled live 3-hour “Monday Night RAW” program, which coincidentally was originally billed as a “memorial service” for WWE chairman Vince McMahon, whose character was recently killed off in a controversial scripted storyline.

McMahon opened the show from center ring in an empty arena and clarified that Benoit and his family had died “in reality.” McMahon called Benoit “one of the greatest WWE superstars of all-time.”

IFL Confirms Passing of Condors’ Jeremy Williams
5/6/2007

NEW YORK, May 6, 2007 – The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI), the world’s first team-based professional mixed martial arts league, is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Southern California Condors middleweight Jeremy Williams, 27, of Laguna Niguel, Calif.  The Orange County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department – Coroner Division confirmed that Williams died Saturday and that an autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death.

“This is a very sad day for the Williams family, Jeremy’s teammates and all of the Mixed Martial Arts community,” IFL Co-founder and Commissioner Kurt Otto said.  “Jeremy was a tremendous competitor and teammate, as well as being a very strong person who lifted the spirits of everyone around him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeremy’s wife, Lauren, their young daughter and the rest of his family, as well as his coaches Marco Ruas and Debi Purcell and all his teammates.  Everyone at the IFL, as well as the entire MMA community, will do everything we can to support them in their hour of need.” 

Williams owned a professional record of 7-2 and was undefeated in his first two IFL fights, last competing at the Forum in Los Angeles on March 17, when he defeated the Tokyo Sabres’ Kazuhiro Hamanaka.  One of the rising stars of the first-year league, Williams was going to miss the Condors’ next matchup at the Sears Centre in Chicago on May 19, due to a recent recurrence of a sternum injury.

Memorial details will be announced as they become available.

About The IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) is the world’s first professional mixed martial arts sports league. IFL has its headquarters in New York, NY and offices in Las Vegas, NV.  For more information about IFL, please see:  www.ifl.tv.