The World Boxing Association (WBA) is very sad to learn of the death of former WBA Champion Jean Baptiste Mendy on Monday at the age of 57.

The Senegalese-born but French-nationalized man was struggling with an aggressive pancreatic cancer in recent months. The same was diagnosed in June of this year and attacked quickly, according to his son Allyson to the specialized press.

Baptiste’s elegance has always been his hallmark, both in combat and in his personal life. The lightweight boxer was a WBA Champion between 1998 and 1999.

In May 1998, he dethroned the undefeated Kyrgyzstan Orzubek Nazarov to win the black and gold belt. He defended it twice until he lost it in April 1999 against another Frenchman, Julien Lorcy.

The WBA mourns Jean Baptiste Mendy’s departure and sends its condolences to his family and friends.