Muay Thai champion Ramon Dekkers passes away at age 43

Some sad news hit the Muay Thai and professional Kickboxing world today when news came out that former champion Ramon Dekkers passed suddenly. Liver Kick reported the news:

Reports are coming out of his home town of Breda today that Dekkers was riding his bike when he collapsed in a tunnel after feeling light-headed. A few bystanders attempted to assist him before emergency services arrived and attempted to revive him to no avail.

Dekkers is a former 8-time world champion and one of the first Dutch Kickboxers to really make an impact in Thailand. He was instrumental in helping the sport of Kickboxing to evolve to what it is today and will always be remembered for his accomplishments in and out of the ring.

Dekkers was a coach for both Marloes Coenen and Alistair Overeem who both mourn his loss on Twitter:

Just heared that the legendary Ramon Dekkers has died.My condolences go out to his family.

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) February 27, 2013

RIP. My ultimate fighting hero. twitter.com/MarloesCoenen/…

— MarloesCoenen (@MarloesCoenen) February 27, 2013

For a look back at Dekkers storied career and his influence on the sport, check out T.P. Grant's Gods of War: Ramon Dekkers.

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