MANILA, Philippines -- Gabriel 'Flash' Elorde, the Filipino boxer hailed the greatest world junior lightweight champion, died Wednesday of lung cancer. He was 49.
Doctors said Elorde's bout with cancer was complicated by pneumonia. The first Filipino post-war champion died at 2:52 a.m. at the suburban Lung Center of the Philippines.
A message of condolence from President Ferdinand Marcos hailed Elorde as 'worthy of the highest esteem and adulation.'
'His humble beginnings did not deter him from attaining ring supremacy but instead propelled him in his quest for glory not only for himself but for his country and people,' Marcos said.
Elorde had been in and out of the hospital since a cancerous left lung was discovered last May. Doctors said he had become a chain smoker since he gave up boxing in 1971.
A former shoe shine boy, Elorde knocked out Harold Gomes of the United States March 16, l960 to win the world junior lightweight crown. He ruled the division for seven years until he lost to Japanese Yusiaki Numata in June 1967.
Last November, the World Junior Boxing Council hailed Elorde as the greatest fighter in his division.
The family said Elorde's remains will lie at the family home. Burial is scheduled for Sunday.
