Kevin Ferguson, popularly known as Kimbo Slice, was an American boxer, mixed martial artist and actor. After a series of high-profile sports victories, he starred in films such as “King of Scorpions 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 is 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 a sports career, Slice managed to work as a limousine driver, bodyguard and security guard in a nightclub.
Career
Kimbo Slice began his career by taking part in unofficial street battles. In 2005, fascinated by MMA, he began to study at the Freestyle Fighting Academy.
In June 2007, Slice fought against eminent rival Ray Mercer, managing 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 artist David "Tank" Abbott. Slice again defeated his opponent and became the winner.
David "Tank" Abbott Photo: Vtek12 / Wikimedia Commons
Gradually, his popularity began to grow. After several successful battles, he decided to try his hand at the Ultimate Fighting Championship and soon appeared on the show "The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights". Here he was confronted by Roy Nelson, who managed to defeat Slice.
He later ran into Houston Alexander at the Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. After a fierce struggle, by a unanimous decision of the judges, Slice became the winner.
In January 2015, it was announced that Slice had signed a contract with Bellator MMA. His first fight was against Ken Shamrock, whom Slice defeated by knockout in the first round.
In 2016, his meeting with long-time rival Dafir Harris attracted great attention. Despite the fact that Kimbo Slice defeated Harris, the result was not scored. 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 the American film Ben Ramsey's "Blood and Bone" (2009). The film was also attended by 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 adventure action movie “Scorpion King 3: The Book of the Dead” (2012). The film was a continuation of the story of Metaes, who intends to protect his kingdom from the army of an evil tyrant. The key roles in the film were played by Victor Webster, Bostin Christopher, Temuera Morrison, Billy Zane and Celina Law. “Scorpion King 3: Book of the Dead” received mixed reviews from critics, but was a commercial success.
