By Per Ake Persson

Yesterday evening came the sad news that former European Champ Jean Marc Renard, age 52, had been found dead by his wife in their home in Tenneville, Belgium. The reason for death appears to be suicide. He left several goodbye notes explaining his actions as relating to problems in the marriage.

Renard turned pro in 1980 and was 6-0 in 1981 when he took on another future champ, Barry McGuigan, in Belfast, losing on points over eight rounds. In his next fight, in Wales, he lost by a half point to Steve Sims but from then on it was up and away.

In 1984, Renard won the European title at junior lightweight with a close points win over Alfred Raininger, only to lose it in his first defence to Pat Cowdell.

In 1986, Jean Marc regained the title and held on to it, beating the likes of Najib Daho and Antonio Renzo while drawing with Daniel Londas.

Renard relinquished the European title in 1987 to concentrate on a world title shot, but also to allow his brittle hands time to heal. Later, he regained the European crown, beating Farid Benredjeb with a hand broken in three different places.

In May of 1989, he challenged for the WBA title held by Antonio Esparragoza but Renard, probably by then over the hill, was knocked out in the sixth.

In August of 1989, Jean Marc Renard - with a lucrative European title fight against Paul Hodkinson in sight - announced his retirement due to hand injuries.

For a number of years, Renard was active in the timber trade, taking care of selling and delivery, remaining in shape and did relatively well - or so it seemed.

Jean Marc Renard rates as one of the best Belgian fighters in history and an all-time great in Europe. His total record was 40-4-1 with many of his most important fights taking place in his opponent´s backyard.

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Boxing News Tags: Antonio Esparragoza, Antonio Renzo, Barry McGuigan, Daniel Londas, Jean Marc Renard, Najib Daho, Pat Cowdell, Paul Hodkinson, Steve Sims