Former Boxer Rene Weller, the 69-year-old reigning European champion, has died after a protracted illness. One of the first players signed by renowned promoter Wilfried Sauerland was the German.
He then went on to win the lightweight titles in Germany, Europe, and the WAA.
After competing in the 1976 Olympic Games, he had a 12-year professional boxing career between 1981 and 1993.
He also appeared to be ready to compete in the 1980 Olympics, but a West German boycott prevented him from taking the field.
Three years after turning pro, he won the European title and twice successfully defended it.
Then, in 1986, when he lost to Gert Bo Jacobsen, he experienced his lone professional defeat.
In 1988, Weller won the belt back, and he retired later that year. He made a comeback in 1992 and then put down his gloves once more in 1994.
He was never given the chance to compete for the world title. Nevertheless, Wellen ended his professional career with an impressive record of 52 victories, one loss, and two ties.
Wellen reportedly worked as a silversmith and clothing designer after boxing.
He had dementia, according to the 2020 report from the German publication Bild.
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