Paris (AFP)
Former boxer Jean-Claude Bouttier, who became famous around the world thanks to his fights for the world title against Carlos Monzon, died at the age of 74, announced his friend Charles Biétry on Saturday.
"Jean-Claude Bouttier, overcome by the disease, has left us today.The boxer had been illustrated by his titles of European champion and his legendary fights against Monzon.The consultant had talented live boxing on Canal + The friend leaves us a huge void, "writes Charles Bietry on his Twitter account.
Born near Laval, Jean-Claude Bouttier became champion of France in January 1971 before conquering five months later the European title he had defended successfully at the end of the same year.
He had faced Carlos Monzon twice. Forced to retire at the 13th injury on the first occasion, the two men ended up at Roland-Garros next September 29, 1973. Monzon had won the points. But these two lost fights had contributed to the great popularity of Jean-Claude Bouttier who remained European champion until May 1974 and his defeat against the British Kevin Finnegan.
He had ended his boxing career a few months later. From 1980, he had been a consultant on Canal + for more than 30 years.
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