Kevin Ferguson, who became the undefeated boxer known as Kimbo Slice, was the first internet sensation – at least that I can think of. From feared street fighter to globally-renowned MMA sensation, Kimbo became one of the sport’s first mainstream and crossover stars. As I write this, his reels of street fight knockouts are replaying in my head. I remember surrounding the computer with friends watching YouTube compilations for hours on end as Slice moved quickly on his feet and threw those swift punches seen virally by millions of internet users.
The street fighter’s life was unexpectedly cut short earlier this month due to heart failure. He was 42 and had recently won his last Bellator fight back in February, leading to a record ratings for SpikeTV.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=t_IqBh5aLeQ
“We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice,” Bellator CEO Scott Coker told the AP. “One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport. Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts.”
The inspirational cage warrior maintained a fierce loyalty to his loving family and close knit friends. Spike TV has decided to give Kimbo fans an inside look at his life with a televised documentary. Kimbo: One of A Kind, narrated by Kevin Connoly, will take fans on a journey of his legendary rise to prominence as a Miami street fighter and YouTube sensation. It will also feature rarely before-seen-footage and interviews with those who were with him from the start, including some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, like David Blaine, Bill Goldberg, Kurt Angle, Scott Coker, Dana White, Renzo Gracie, and Rashad Evans.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=DNz_lB8-bi8
Sadly, we all won’t get to see the heavyweight during his scheduled fight in July. And to think that he fought in one of the first ever MMA fights broadcasted on a major television network – there will never be another Kimbo Slice.
Relive some of his best moments through the SpikeTV documentary, Kimbo Slice: One of a Kind, which premieres Friday (June 24) at 7 P.M. EST. Check out the trailer for the documentary below.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=91D85qqJEMs