Tønsberg, Norway (June 28, 2024) - Steffen Tangstad, the former European Heavyweight Champion, has passed away at the age of 65. Tangstad, who was born on June 22, 1959, in Tønsberg, Norway, was a significant figure in the boxing world during the 1980s. He made headlines when he challenged the then-lineal champion, Michael Spinks, for the IBF heavyweight title in September 1986. Although he was defeated by TKO in the fourth round, Tangstad's career was marked by notable achievements and memorable bouts.

Tangstad began his professional boxing career in the late 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks to become the European Heavyweight Champion. His most prominent fight was against Michael Spinks in Las Vegas, a bout that highlighted his international presence in the sport. Despite the loss, Tangstad's performance earned him respect and recognition globally.

After retiring from boxing, Tangstad transitioned into roles as a boxing commentator and promoter. He worked with TV 1000 and provided insightful commentary alongside Åke Unger. He also managed his own promotion company, Modern Sports & Events, contributing to the sport by nurturing future talents.

In recent years, Tangstad faced significant health challenges. In 2018, he was diagnosed with polyneuropathy, a condition that eventually led to the amputation of his left leg in 2019. Despite these difficulties, Tangstad remained a beloved figure in the Norwegian sports community.

Tangstad's passing marks the end of an era for many Norwegian boxing enthusiasts who remember him not only for his achievements in the ring but also for his contributions to the sport outside of it. His legacy as a 2x European champion and his fight against one of the era's top fighters, Michael Spinks, ensures that he will be remembered as a significant figure in boxing history.