Another star faded too soon. Born in Gomel, Belarus, on October 14, 1980, Alesia Graf (a.k.a Alesia-Tamara Klimovich) was an inspiration for women in boxing all over the globe. However, the former world champion sadly departed from the world at the young age of 43 on March 26. While the cause of her untimely and tragic passing is currently unknown, her death was confirmed by her friend and former training partner, Regina Halmich. “I am shocked. You were not only a training partner and world champion but also a friend. 43 years – far too young to go,” wrote Halmich in a post.
The Tigress’s Journey: A Legacy in the Ring
Graf, who moved to Germany in 1999 from Belarus, started her boxing career in 2001 and made her debut in 2004. Coincidentally, it was also Halmich who was responsible for Graf taking up the sport of boxing. In an interview, she recalled, “I read in the newspaper, an article about Regina Halmich, and that she was a world champion in boxing. That is what inspired me to get into boxing—I thought, what she can do, I can also do. So, I began to look for a gym to work out in, and then began boxing at that time.”
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Part of both the IWBHF and the IBHOF, it didn’t take long for Graf to achieve her first milestone in boxing. The “Tigress” won the GBU world super flyweight title in 2006, followed by eleven successful title defenses. In 2008, Graf won the Women’s WIBF world super flyweight title and defended it four times consecutively. In 2019, after a defeat to Dina Thorslund, Graf retired from boxing with an impressive record of 29-8. After her retirement, she wanted to start her own promotion company to support other female boxers. She did manage to start her own promotion company, however, she was unsuccessful in finding corporate support.
A Champion Remembered: Tributes Flood Social Media
The untimely passing of Alesia Graf has left the boxing world shaken. Learning of the tragic passing of the Hall of Famer, the World Boxing Association took to social media to pay tribute. The sanctioning body’s Instagram post mourned her loss, stating, “The World Boxing Association (WBA) mourns the passing of Alesia Graf.”
Once compared to Muhammad Ali by WBF President Mick Croucher for her fighting style, her loss presents another blow, not just for women’s boxing, but also for the boxing community as a whole.
I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Alesia Graf. My sincere condolences 👊🌹 pic.twitter.com/62gYVgtfGA
— SusieQ Ramadan (@susieqramadan1) March 25, 2024
Disbelief and Recollections: The Tigress departs too soon
The Tigress took on several formidable opponents throughout her 19-year-long career, so the news of her passing shocked some fans. One user – in disbelief at Graf’s passing, expressed their views about the late boxer. Reacting to WBA’s post about her demise, one user wrote in disbelief, “What???? What happened?? She was amazing!!”
Another user recalled their encounter with Graf during a fight in Germany in 2007 when she fought Zulina Munoz. “I had the opportunity to be in Zulina Muñoz’s corner for the first one with her in Germany. [It was a] Hell of a fight. R.I.P,” wrote the user.
A third fan lamented Graf’s passing by penning a somber message for the late fighter. “May She Rest In Peace,” the fan’s comment read.
Moreover, the World Boxing Council also took to X, expressing their condolences about the unfortunate loss of the champion. In a statement, they wrote, “The World Boxing Council and its President Mauricio Sulaimán, deeply mourn the death of boxer Alesia Graf.”
A user echoed the same sentiment as many before them, bidding farewell to a great champion.
May her gentle soul rest in peace 🕊️
— Cristiano Hive (@Cristianohive9) March 26, 2024
Remembering Graf’s Legacy
A champion for women’s boxing, she was hopeful of more female boxers following in her footsteps and taking up the sport. “This year is the first year when female boxing is included at the Olympic Games, and that is great and important for the development of female boxing because the women are more athletic as in the past. And I think females can give the same level of performance as a male boxer,” she said back in 2012.
Followed by an admirable career in sweet science, the former champion has now left the world with a legacy of championing women’s sports and becoming a beacon for women in boxing all over the world. Her accomplishments and legacy will be forever imprinted in the annals of boxing history. Are there a few words you would like to share about ‘The Tigress’?
The boxing world mourns the loss of a true champion and a pioneer for women in the sport. Alesia Graf’s legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and aspiring athletes alike, as she continues to inspire generations to come. May she rest in peace, forever remembered as “The Tigress” of the ring.
