Kevin Ferguson, popularly known as Kimbo Slice, was an American boxer, mixed martial artist and actor. After a number of high-profile sports victories, he starred in films such as "The Scorpion King 3: Book of the Dead", "Circle of Pain", "Blood and Bone" and others. But his successful career ended abruptly and tragically. At 42, he died of heart failure.
Biography
Kimbo Slice, whose real name sounds like Kevin Ferguson, was born in Nassau, Bahamas on February 8, 1974. At an early age, Slice moved to the United States with his family. He and his two brothers grew up in Florida.
North Florida, USA Photo: Suiseiseki / Wikimedia Commons
In America, Kimbo Slice first studied at Cutler Ridge Middle School, and later graduated from Richmond Heights High School. Without entering the university, he went in search of work. Before starting his sports career, Slice worked as a limousine driver, bodyguard and security guard at a nightclub.
Career
Kimbo Slice began his career by taking part in unofficial street fighting. In 2005, with a passion for MMA, he began training at the Freestyle Fighting Academy.
In June 2007, Slice took part in a battle against the eminent rival Ray Mercer, having managed to defeat him in the first round. A year later, he took part in EliteXC: Street Certified, where he met with professional wrestler, mixed martial arts fighter David "Tank" Abbott. Slice defeated his opponent again and became the winner.
David "Tank" Abbott Photo: Vtek12 / Wikimedia Commons
Gradually, its popularity began to grow. After several successful fights, he decided to try his hand at the Ultimate Fighting Championship and soon appeared on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights. Here he was opposed by Roy Nelson, who managed to defeat Slice.
He later faced Houston Alexander in Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. After a fierce struggle, by unanimous decision of the judges, Slice became the winner.
In January 2015, it was announced that Slice had signed with Bellator MMA. His first fight was against Ken Shamrock, whom Slice defeated by knockout in the first round.
In 2016, a lot of attention was drawn to his meeting with longtime rival Dafir Harris. Despite the fact that Kimbo Slice defeated Harris, the result was not credited. Later it turned out that the athlete did not pass the doping test. Nandrolone and epitestosterone were found in his blood.
Among other things, Kimbo Slice managed to star in several films. In 2009, he played the role of a prisoner in Ben Ramsey's American film Blood and Bone (2009). The film also features such actors and martial artists as Michael J. White, Eamonn Walker, Julian Sands, Matt Mullins, Bob Sapp and others.
Michael J. White Photo: Florida Supercon / Wikimedia Commons
In 2012, Slice received an invitation to play the role of Zulu Kondo in the action adventure The Scorpion King 3: Book of the Dead (2012). The film is a continuation of the story of Metaes, who intends to defend his kingdom from the army of an evil tyrant. Key roles in the film are played by Victor Webster, Bostin Christopher, Temuera Morrison, Billy Zane and Selina Law. The Scorpion King 3: Book of the Dead received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success.
Family and personal life
Kimbo Slice had a long-term relationship with Antoinette Rae. The couple had six children: Cassandra Ferguson, Kevin II Ferguson, Kevin Ferguson Jr., Kevin Ferguson, Kevlar Ferguson, and Kiara Ferguson.
Kimbo Slice Photo: Cottonphotos / Wikimedia Commons
They planned to get married, but on June 5, 2016, Slice was hospitalized with acute chest pain. On June 6, 2016, he died of heart failure.
