Local Boxing Legend Beau Williford Passes Away

Local boxing legend “Hard Working Handsome” Beau Williford passed away this morning at his home. He was 69 years old.

Williford started the Ragin' Cajun Boxing Club in Lafayette, was a long-time personal trainer and even once sparred with Muhammad Ali according to KATC.

He passed away earlier this morning (7/31/19) after a battle with lung cancer. According to the Ragin' Cajun Boxing Club facebook page, Williford "passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his sleep."

From KATC.com -

"Williford, a native of North Carolina, began his boxing career as a boy. He went on to win the North Carolina Golden Gloves championship in 1964. He went pro in 1968 and continued his career until retiring from in-ring competition in 1979. Shortly after his retirement, Williford moved to Louisiana to take a job in the oil industry. He began training fighters in 1982 and opened the Ragin' Cajuns Boxing Club shortly afterward. He has trained amateurs to numerous state and regional Golden Gloves titles. He also trained a number of top-rated pros, including women's world featherweight champion Deidra Gogarty."

A celebration of life for Coach Beau Williford will take place Saturday, August 3, 2019, at First Baptist Lafayette. Visitation will be from 9am-11am followed by a service from 11am-12pm. Both events are open to the public.