Death of a True Champion
Rocky Lockridge, born Ricky Lockridge, died this morning in a New Jersey hospital just less than 2 weeks away from the anniversary of his win over Roger Mayweather.
We’ve learned from an anonymous source, the boxing legend had been battling for his life for the past week.
Rocky Lockridge lived the quintessential rags to riches story. Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1959, Rocky lived a life full of ups and downs.
Boxing Career
He began his amateur boxing career at the Tacoma Boys Club, and was a natural fighter from the start.
Rocky became the AAU National Champion at bantamweight in 1977. After another year of collecting experience as an amateur, he decided to take his talents to the professional ranks.
Rocky successfully turned pro in September of 1978, starting off his career with a TKO victory over Tony Reed in just round 2.
At 21, he was signed by legendary trainer, Lou Duva.
He fought Eusebio Pedrozo for the WBA World Featherweight title later that year. Many at ringside felt Lockridge did more than enough to win, after hurting Pedrozo numerous times and his non-stop action.
However, as it happens many times, the judges felt differently. The judges awarded Pedrozo the split decision victory.
The heartbreaking loss to Pedroza could not break a rock.
Not one to quit, he battled back into title contention and his tenacity paid off.
After amassing a record of 32-3, Rocky Lockridge moved up from featherweight to super featherweight.
He made the decision to move up and challenge, the rising star, undefeated Roger Mayweather for the WBA title after the failed attempt for the same title at featherweight.
He battled back, in a true fighters fashion, and upset highly favored Roger Mayweather.
It took just 98 seconds for Rocky to score the knockout.
Rocky was built for the pros.
He successfully defended his title 3 times before going up against a future Hall of Famer in Wilfredo Gomez.
Life After Boxing
Unfortunately, best known for his stint on the A&E TV show, Intervention, Rocky was more than that.
Struggles that could have easily defeated most, made Rocky fight harder.
He was a quintessential fighter to the core.
After battling addiction and homelessness, Rocky fought in a situation most would have deemed impossible. However, with a fighters’ determination, specialized addiction treatment, and help from those close to him, he beat his addiction and continually strived for better.
Declining Health and Death
In 2006, Rocky suffered a stroke. The stroke left him unable to walk without the assistance of a cane.
Since the stroke, Rocky’s health has taken a downward spiral. He has been in and out of the hospital.
Rocky Lockridge passed away this morning from complications due to his stroke.
Rocky Lockridge Dead at 60
With Rocky Lockridge dead, the boxing community and the world has lost a true fighter. He is survived by his two sons.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
