Boxing Tragedy: Former European Heavyweight Champion Steffen Tangstad Passes Away at 65
In a somber turn of events, the Norwegian media has reported the passing of former two-time EBU heavyweight champion and world title challenger Steffen Tangstad at the age of 65. Tangstad, a six-time Norwegian amateur champion, had been struggling with a nerve disease for a long time, which led to a loss of power in both his arms and legs. In 2019, he underwent the difficult decision to have his left leg amputated.
Tangstad’s professional boxing career took an interesting path. With professional boxing prohibited in Norway in 1981, he traveled to the United States, where he built an impressive 16-0-2 record, including a draw against the legendary James “Buster” Douglas. It was in Denmark, under the guidance of promoter Mogens Palle, that Tangstad found his big break.
In the fall of 1984, Tangstad delivered a fantastic performance at the KB-Hall in Copenhagen, securing the European heavyweight title with a points victory over Frenchman Lucian Rodriguez. Though he would later lose the title to Swede Anders Eklund, Tangstad reclaimed the EBU crown in 1986, leading to a showdown against world champion Michael Spinks, who stopped the challenger in the fourth round.
“Despite the setback, Tangstad’s professional record stood at a respectable 24-2-2 by the time he was named the official challenger for the EBU title, nearly two years after the Spinks fight.”
However, he ultimately chose to settle into a career as a boxing commentator and promoter, eventually stepping away from the sport.
Tangstad’s legacy as a two-time European heavyweight champion and a world title challenger will not be forgotten. The boxing community mourns the loss of this talented and resilient athlete, who battled his nerve disease with unwavering determination throughout his life.
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