The boxing world is mourning the loss of former world middleweight champion Alan Minter, who died of cancer at the age of 69 in the United Kingdom. Minter had an extremely distinguished career, winning an Olympic bronze medal in 1972 plus British, European and world championships as a pro. His Olympic loss is considered controversial, a points loss to a West German in the Munich games. The wining boxer reportedly apologized to Minter years later. As a pro, defeated Hall of Famer Emile Griffith, sending the boxing legend into retirement in 1977. Minter played a key role in middleweight history, turning the world championship over from Vito Antuofermo to Marvin Hagler. Minter won the world championship by split decision from Antuofermo in 1980. Although the decision was controversial (the British judge gave 13 of the 15 rounds to Minter), it must be noted that the fight took place in the United States, Antuofermo's adopted home country, and Minter stopped Antuofermo on cuts in an immediate rematch. 1980 was a busy year for Minter, who fought Hagler after the two Antuofermo fights all in the same calendar year. Hagler, one of the all-time greats, easily defeated Minter. Complicating Minter's legacy, in the heat of a pre-fight press conference with Hagler, Minter said he did not intend to lose his title to a Black man. Minter apologized profusely for that remark. In 1981, Minter called it a career. leaving the ring with a mark of 39-9. Several of Minter's losses were stoppages due to cuts. Boxingtalk sends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of British boxing legend Alan Minter.