Thierry Jacob dead at 59: Former boxing world champion dies after battle with lung cancer

FORMER world boxing champion Thierry Jacob has died aged 59 after a battle with lung cancer.

Jacob held the WBC super-bantamweight world title and fought all of his career in France.

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He passed away at his home in Calais after losing his battle with cancer.

Natacha Bouchart, mayor of the northern port city, announced on Facebook: “We begin this day with sad news. Thierry Jacob died overnight, so young."

Jacob turned professional in 1984 after a good amateur career and won his first 21 bouts.

He was first defeated in 1987 by Kelvin Seabrooks when challenging for the IBF bantamweight title.

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Jacob also failed in attempts to win the EBU IBF super-bantamweight belts.

But he did claim victory over British legend Duke McKenzie in 1990 for the EBU bantamweight strap.

He lost three world title fights - against Tracy Harris Patterson and Wilfredo Vazquez (twice) - before his retirement bout.

Jacob beat Edgar Orlando Ballen before hanging up the gloves with a 39-6 career.

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His brothers Bruno and Herve were also boxers and won national and European titles with a fourth brother, Jacky, coaching.

Jacob later trained his sons Romain and Joffrey - who both won titles.

Romain was a former European super-feather champ while Joffrey won a French title.