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Lions have paid tribute to Jimmy Abbott after the South African boxing legend and Ellis Park regular died on Sunday.
The former national heavyweight champion died at his home in Heidelberg on Sunday night after succumbing to heart failure at the age of 61.
One of the best-known figures in South African boxing history, the news of Abbott’s death immediately caused a sensation on social media and members of the sports community paid their respects.
Throughout his life, Abbott was known to be a staunch supporter of the Lions and the union confirmed this Sunday, referring to him as one of their biggest fans.
“It is with sadness that the Lions Rugby Company learned of the passing of Jimmy Abbott, boxing legend and one of the biggest Lions fans in history.” a syndicate Tweet was read.
“Jimmy was a regular at Emirates Airline Park and we will miss him very much.”
Former Lions and Springbok lock Kobus Wiese also added his voice to the tributes.
“Everything about Jimmy was great! His height, his love for Lions, his devotion to the Lord”, he wrote.
One of Abbott’s most famous fights took place at Ells Park Tennis Stadium in 1980 when he defeated Kallie Knoetze.
It is with sadness that the Lions Rugby Company learned of the passing of Jimmy Abbott, boxing legend and one of the greatest Lions fans of all time. Jimmy was a regular at Emirates Airline Park and we will miss him very much. He passed away at home on Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/kBSY9fGxpH
– Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) March 22, 2021
Sadly, Jimmy Abbott passed away. Everything about Jimmy was great! His height, his love for Lions, his devotion to the Lord. Mooi loop my vriend, tot ons weer ontmoet ??
– Kobus Wiese (@ 4KobusWiese) March 22, 2021
Puncher turned preacher Jimmy Abbott died last night in Heidelberg. The former SA heavyweight champion was a hell of a puncher who animated the SA boxing scene in the ’70s and’ 80s before establishing himself as an evangelist. Jumbo RIP.
– Clinton van der Berg (@ClintonV) March 22, 2021
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