Travell Mazion dead: Undefeated middleweight boxer 'Black Magic' passes away at 24 in fatal Texas car crash
LEANDER, TEXAS: An undefeated boxer who was considered a rising star in the super welterweight division was killed in a traffic collision at the 18000 Block of FM 1431 just outside of Leander, Texas, on Wednesday, July 15, it was reported. He was just 24-years-old.
Travell "Black Magic" Mazion, 24, had recently won the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) crown and was on the up when his life was tragically cut short in a pin-in collision just north of his hometown, according to Boxing Scene.
Travis County officials said one person had died and two others injured following the accident but did not release the name of the victims. "'#ATCEMSMedics have obtained a Deceased On Scene pronouncement of 1 adult," the Austin-Travis County EMS account tweeted. "2 adults txpt'd to Round Rock Medical Center, 1 by ground w/serious potentially life-threatening injuries & 1 by air w/critical life-threatening injuries Expect road closures."
However, Golden Boy Promotions, the agency acting as Mazion's promoter, confirmed his death in a statement on Twitter and paid him tribute. "We at Golden Boy are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Travell Mazion last night," they said. "Mazion was a kind, charismatic young man who lit up every room he walked into and brought excitement to fans inside the ring. We send our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace."
Mazion, who was 154-pounds, boasted of a 17-0 record with 13 knockouts, and most-recently defeated Fernando Castaneda at the Alamodome in San Antonio back in January, according to TMZ. The 24-year-old had won the match in 58 seconds.
Tributes from the boxing world, from friends and rivals alike, as well as the rest of social media, have poured in for a man they described as a "great prospect" and "one of the coolest, kindest people" they had the pleasure to know.
Joseph Suniga, a fellow boxer, shared several photos of Mazion helping teach boxing to children and hailed him for the impact he had in his short life. "Travell Mazion I was shocked to hear the news about what happened," he wrote. "I want to let you know that you impacted us with your kindness and positive motivation. You were someone who we enjoyed watching do your thing in the ring under the bright lights and on the big stage. You will be missed and remembered as one of Austin's great champions. We will make sure you are remembered as well. R.I.P. Champ. Praying for you and your family champ."
Vergil Ortiz Jr., another undefeated boxer, similarly wrote, "I can't believe it. R.I.P Travell Mazion. For those who don't know him or never met him, he was a very talented boxer and one of the coolest people I knew. Always enjoyed watching him fight. Love you bro, watch over us."
Oscar de la Hoya, the Hall of Fame former six-division champion and head of Golden Boy, also tweeted his devastation at Mazion's sudden death. "@black_magic92 you left us far too soon! Nice, young man with all the talent in the world. Not only did our sport take a huge hit with losing you but the world lost a good one," he wrote. "You are forever Golden. My heart & prayers are with you & your family champ."