Rene Weller, a former EBU champion, has passed away at the age of 69.
According to reports, the former boxer had been battling a long-term illness in the form of dementia. Weller was known in the amateurs before becoming a professional in the 1980s.
Thereafter, he had a mixed start to his career. His first attempt at winning a world title ended in a draw, only to then secure the WAA title.
"Jack of all trades" gets thrown about too lightly, particularly as a self-descriptive, but this one made me giggle.
Boxer, silversmith, fashion designer, show promoter and drug dealer!
From Rene Weller's obituary on Boxing Scene. pic.twitter.com/yWqfDUtbbD
— BOX.LIVE (@boxIive) August 24, 2023
That was followed up with the EBU title in 1984, which included two successful defenses. However, the progress was hampered when he lost to Gert Bo Jacobsen two years later.
Despite regaining the belt in 1988, Weller walked away from the sport in the same year. And in doing so, his record stood at 51-1-2.
In his career post-boxing, however, Weller had a few issues. In 1999, he was apprehended by the authorities for drug dealing.
And after having done his time behind bars, Weller suffered more issues. In 2020, he was diagnosed with dementia, which he struggled with until his eventual passing.