Former combat sports star Mark Potter passed away from stomach cancer.
The former heavyweight boxing title challenger began his boxing journey in 1997 and went undefeated in his first seven outings as a professional until Antoine Palatis snapped his run in Sep. 1998. Potter chose to step away from the boxing and would later return in 4oz gloves to compete inside the octagon.
Mark Potter passed away at 47 after battling stomach cancer
Mark Potter was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer, which had extended to his spine in Jan. 2021. A GoFundMe page was launched to help the 47-year-old with finances for his medical care and other related expenses.
“Mark is the fittest and healthiest man I know.. An absolute mountain of a man with a heart of gold… anyone who knows Mark will agree. ,” Potter’s brother-in-law Adrian Finlay wrote. “Hes an amazing person, a great husband, father, friend. Will always take the time to help someone if they are in need. .”
In 2000, Potter challenged former boxing champion Danny Williams for the British heavyweight title but succumbed in the sixth round by TKO. He boxed for another three years before hanging up his gloves following a loss to Michael Sprott in 2003. He left boxing with a record of 21-5, including 14 knockout wins.
Mark Potter made his comeback to fighting inside the cage as a professional mixed martial artist in 2010. He spent time competing on the regional scene in the UK and quickly racked up a three-fight win streak after two bouts. Former UFC and Bellator star Oli Thompson snapped his winning run in 2011.
Potter’s final outing came against Larry Watts in 2012. He bowed out on a high note after defeating Watts with a record of 5-2. The news comes just a few days after the tragic passing of former UFC title challenger Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson, who battled illness before falling to organ failure at just 38 years old.
