Ramon Dekkers Passes Away at 43 - Pro's Reactions

A black cloud hits the fighting world today with news surfacing that Kickboxing legend Ramon Dekkers has passed away at age 43. Kickboxing website Liver Kick reports:

 Reports are coming out of his home town of Breda today that Dekkers was riding his bike when he collapsed in a tunnel after feeling light-headed. A few bystanders attempted to assist him before emergency services arrived and attempted to revive him to no avail.

Dekkers is a former 8-time world champion and one of the first Dutch Kickboxers to really make an impact in Thailand. He was instrumental in helping the sport of Kickboxing to evolve to what it is today and will always be remembered for his accomplishments in and out of the ring.

In an event that will no doubt cause Kickboxing and MMA fighters and journalists alike morn many have taken to twitter to pay there respects:

I read Ramon Dekkers, legend of Muay Thai has passed away. He was a real crusher in the ring. To the halls of battle. bit.ly/YFqqXq
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) February 27, 2013

Sad Day. All-time Legend of the ring Ramon Dekkers passed away. All my Condolences to his family. #ShineLikeaDiamond #2Young2Die
— King Mo (@KingMoFH) February 27, 2013

Tuff Times Kru Yodtong & Ramon Dekkers RIP They're 2 of why I started & training #MuayThai when my family was at the Top of FC Kickboxing!
— Duke Roufus (@dukeroufus) February 27, 2013

Rest in peace Ramon Dekkers. Very sad day for the combat sports world. One of my biggest inspirations. twitter.com/danhardymma/st…
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) February 27, 2013

Just heard the news about Ramon Dekkers. Tragic. Will go down as one of the greats. What an absolute warrior he was
— Tom Kong Watson (@TomKongWatson) February 27, 2013

So very sad to hear of the passing of an all-time legend of the ring.RIP Ramon Dekkers, always a warrior, you will never be forgotten.
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) February 27, 2013

Very sad to hear Ramon Dekkers has passed away suddenly. What a pleasure it was to watch him battle in Muay Thai. R.I.P. champ.
— Pat Miletich (@patmiletich) February 27, 2013

Just heared that the legendary Ramon Dekkers has died.My condolences go out to his family.
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) February 27, 2013

Ramon Dekkers taught the martial arts world so much about heart, courage. Today was the final lesson: life is short, so chase your dreams.
— john o'regan (@johnjoeoregan) February 27, 2013

Sad to hear about the passing of Ramon Dekkers today. Our hearts and condolences go out to his family and friends. bloodyelbow.com/2013/2/27/4036…
— AKA HQ (@AKA_HQ) February 27, 2013

Today Ramon Dekkers a legend in Muay Thai kickboxing passed away My condolances go out to his family.
— Semmy Schilt (@semmyschilt) February 27, 2013

Today a legend in the sport passed away! My condolances go out to his family! Thanks for al the great memory's motivation! RIP Ramon Dekkers
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) February 27, 2013

RIP Ramon Dekkers. A true legend in the fight sports. Condolences to his family and his dear friends. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
— Shannon Knapp (@shanknapp) February 27, 2013

“@michaelgelinas: @joerogan Muay Thai champion Ramon Dekkers passes away at age 43 sbn.to/Va6EUb” RIP to an all time great.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) February 27, 2013

RIP RAMON DEKKERS!