Former WBA World light heavyweight champion Bob Foster passed away Saturday at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was 77.

Born in Borger, Texas, on April 27, 1938, Foster was big man with an even bigger punch.

He turned pro in 1961 at the age of 23 with a KO victory over Duke Williams and won the WBA and WBC titles in 1968 by knocking out reigning and defending champion Dick Tiger at New York’s Madison Square Garden in the fourth round of a scheduled 15-round fight.

Foster defended his title a record 14 times between 1969 and 1973. He fought in a different era, some might say a preferable era, an era when undefeated records meant less, an era when fighters moved up in weight to test their mettle, an era when champions took risks.

Foster fought heavyweights throughout his career and tangled with the best of the best, including Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. He usually lost when he moved up, but no one ever questioned his manhood or commitment to the sport.

Bob Foster retired in 1978 with a 56-8-1 (46 KOs) record. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. The Ring named him third greatest light heavyweight in history in 1994.

He was one of the all-time greats, a genuine king of the ring.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.