Former boxing world champion Thierry Jacob has passed away at the age of 59, as announced by Natacha Bouchart, the mayor of his hometown, Calais, on Friday.

Jacob etched his name in boxing history in 1992 when he won the WBC super-bantamweight title by defeating Mexico's Daniel Zaragoza in an unforgettable bout before an enthusiastic home crowd in Calais.

“This morning begins with heartbreaking news. Thierry Jacob has left us, far too soon,” Mayor Bouchart shared on Facebook.

Turning professional in 1984, Jacob enjoyed a decade-long career in the ring, amassing an impressive record of 39 wins and six losses. However, his reign as WBC champion was brief, as he lost the title in his first defense to American Tracy Harris Patterson in New York.

Continuing the family legacy, Jacob’s son, Romain Jacob, also pursued a boxing career, achieving success by winning the European super featherweight title in 2014.

Jacob’s passing marks a significant loss for the world of boxing and his community, where he remains a celebrated figure.