Former WBA World super bantamweight champion Ricardo Cardona died Sunday at Bonnadona Hospital in Barranquilla, Colombia, after a long bout with cancer. He was 63.

“He had been treated for cancer since 2009,” he son told EFE yesterday. “But a few months ago it [spread] to his lung, bones and brain, and last night he died of cardiopulmonary arrest.”

Born in San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, on November 9, 1952, Cardona was Colombia’s third boxing champion, following Antonio Cervantes and Rodrigo Valdez.

Cardona turned pro on September 9, 1915, with a decision over Osvaldo Rojas in Valencia, Venezuela. He won the Colombian super bantamweight title in 1976. On May 7, 1978, he won the WBA World super bantamweight title with a TKO over Soo-Hwan Hong in Seoul, South Korea.

He successfully defended the title five times before losing to Leo Randolph in 1980.

Cardona fought for four more years, going 5-5 before retiring in 1984 with a record of 26-10-1 (13 KOs).

He is survived by his brother Prudencio, who was Colombian, South American, and WBC World flyweight champion.

The WBA sends its condolences to the Cardona family.

Rest in peace, champ.

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.