Former professional boxer Alonzo Butler died Monday, his daughter, Jazlyn, confirmed to Knox News. Butler was 44.
He was known as “Big Zo” to fans and friends.
Butler, a Chattanooga native who settled in Knoxville, had a 35-3-2 record with 25 knockouts as a heavyweight.
Butler was a standout football player at Chattanooga City High School. He signed to play football at Middle Tennessee State but did not wind up playing for the Blue Raiders. He pursued boxing instead.
He was the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame’s 2006 Professional Athlete of the Year.
“(Legendary boxing trainer) Ace Miller told me four or five years ago I could be a champion, and I’ve stuck with it through the hard times,’’ Butler told Knox News in 2006. “I’m honored to have been named Knoxville’s Pro Athlete of the Year.
“I’ve felt a responsibility to be a good model with the kids working with Golden Gloves, and I try to watch myself closely.’’
Miller served as Butler’s manager and trainer during his undefeated run in the mid 2000s.