FORMER boxing middleweight Antwun Echols has died aged 52.
The ex-fighter twice challenged for a world title in 1999 and 2000 but lost both bouts.
He lost to Bernard Hopkins on both occasions after almost stopping the boxing legend in their first encounter.
Echols, who was nicknamed “Kid Dynamite”, turned professional in 1993 and was knocked out in his first contest.
But he responded by winning 22 of his next 24 fights to set up the world title clash with Hopkins.
The American dropped Hopkins early in the contest before losing via unanimous decision, and in a rematch a year later was stopped in the tenth round.
Tributes have poured in from fans saddened by Echols’ passing.
One fan wrote: “Antwun Echols was one of my favourite fighters to watch in the late ‘90s/early 2000s. From knocking Brian Barbosa out of the ring, body slamming Bernard Hopkins, and stopping Charles Brewer in a wild WAR, Echols was always must-see TV for the era.
“RIP, thanks for the memories 
”
Another added: “Damn – just heard Antwun Echols passed away! Great puncher out of Iowa! Will always remember his knockout of Charles Brewer! RIP Kid Dynamite.”
A third said: “Antwun Echols made for fun fights and was a stable of the Tuesday Night Fights series on the USA network in 1996-97 (around that time). Fought Bernard Hopkins, challenging him at least once for the middleweight world title. Made the state of Iowa proud.”
Another commented: “RIP Antwun Echols 
Fearless puncher. Will always remember his war with Charles Brewer and battles with Bernard Hopkins. Rest easy champ.”
