Mike Dietrich Passes!

(Photo by Linda "Great Shot" Siadys)

This one is really tough and very sad. Baltimore heavyweight boxer “The American Dream” Mike Dietrich died suddenly Tuesday in Baltimore, MD. Dietrich was 26 years old. No word was given on the cause of death.

Dietrich was a five-time national amateur boxing champion and was 12-1, six KO’s as a pro. Dietrich was in training for a bout on the March 20th boxing card at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.

Dietrich made his pro debut on November 19, 2004 with a four-round unanimous decision over Victor James in Baltimore then followed that with his first pro knockout on December 3, 2004 at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, PA. Dietrich knocked out Jermaine Livingston in the first round.

Dietrich’s career was momentarily derailed by an incident in December of 2005 when he was stabbed during an altercation. Dietrich returned to action in May of 2007 with a four-round unanimous decision victory over Jonathan Felton at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.

After two straight knockout wins, Dietrich suffered his only loss – a third-round knockout to Wes Taylor on April 18, 2008 in Pikesville, MD. Ironically, Dietrich was scheduled to meet Taylor in a rematch on March 20. Dietrich’s last bout was a first-round knockout over Kevin Johnson on November 25 at Du Burns Arena.

Funeral arrangements have been completed for Dietrich. The viewing will be held on Sunday, March 7 at Connelly Funeral Parlor, 7110 Sollers Point Road, Dundalk, MD. The times will be 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM. The funeral will be held on Monday, March 8 at 10 AM, also at Connelly Funeral Parlor.

There will be a repast at Baltimore Boxing and Fitness, 506 1/2 S. Broadway in Baltimore after the funeral.

BATB sends its deepest condolences to the Dietrich Family as well as to everyone who enjoyed watching Mike Dietrich box. This video is on the Baltimore Boxing website and it is a fitting tribute to this young man who was a true fighter -- in and out of the ring.




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