Boxer Rocky Lockridge has passed away at the age of 60. Lockridge, who found some fame as an athlete but even greater reach as a meme, died on Thursday as the result of complications from a stroke he suffered.
Rocky's son Ricky announced the boxing champ's passing to TMZ.
"It is with great pain but a whole heart that I tell you family and friends that my father Ricky Lockridge aka Rocky Lockridge has passed away," he said. "All he wanted was to be in the comfort of his home with friends/family. God has called him to walk through the gates of heaven."
Lockridge was a junior lightweight champion in the WBA and the IBF during the '80s. He went 44-9 over his boxing career. Afte he left the sport, Lockridge fell on hard times and became addicted to crack cocaine. His family members took the problem to the producers of the A&E show Intervention.
Rocky's sustained crying during the episode was removed from its tragic origin on the internet and spread around as the "best cry ever."
Of course, no one wants a meme of their worst moments to be the measure of their life. What might get lost is the fact that Lockridge made it to the top of his chosen profession. Lockridge was an actual champion, the best in the world in his weight class at a physically demanding and intense sport. So, take a look at his championship bout against Roger Mayweather for his first title below.
