R.I.P Jimmy 'Thunder' Peau - 3/2/66 - 13/2/20 - The man behind the fastest KO in history

A sad day for boxing fans across the world, Samoa and New Zealand. Heavyweight boxer Jimmy Thunder has died, at just 54.

During his brief time at the top of the Heavyweight division Jimmy 'Thunder' Peau was one of the biggest names in New Zealand sport. He had wins over Tony Tubbs, Trevor Berbick and Tim Witherspoon.

I remember watching him as a kid and my father showing me the video of him winning gold at the 1986 Commonwealth Games by knocking out the local hero in the final.

Not to mention the fastest knockout in history! (see below)

In 1987 his boxing boots slipped on the canvas in the heat , so he discarded them and boxed barefoot. Unfortunately the remedy made the situation worse, when his feet stuck to the canvas and the skin peeled off!

Jimmy had a lengthy professional career but terrible management in the U.S.
After Jimmy's hardships within the boxing industry, he fell on very difficult times and ended up homeless in the streets of Las Vegas.

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Rest in peace champ
Jimmy Thunder Peau
3 February 1966 - 13 February 2020

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Thunder was VERY exciting fighter.

R.I.P. Samoan Warrior

 

Rip

 

F

What a legend!! So sad.

Malolo i le filemu champ.

 

He sure was!

Like most Samoan New Zealander's (Samoans in general), he was a gentle giant that had the time to talk to anyone.

A family man that seemed to have a big heart. Another sad example of the struggles post fame and mental health battles. Ultimately leading to a much harder life than he should have had to live.

 

I was there for his pro debut. It was on the Jeff Fenech v Marcos Villasana undercard. I remember it like yesterday. KO4 Niko Degei. Stopped him on his feet. He stood out as a tremendous prospect.

Until I saw Justis Huni, I always regarded the Thunderman as the most naturally talented H/W to ever come out of the South Pacific. That includes David Tua & Joseph Parker.

Tremendous physical strength & punching power. I speculate that his chin would have been much better had it not been cracked once too often early in his career.

RIP Jimmy. Gone far too soon but to a better place.

 

RIP champ, respect for many a great fight, blessings for the next life.

 

I remember him knocking out Doug Young in that final. Boxing has too many sad stories like this one. RIP.

 

As a kid I remember Thunder making a name for himself in Australia in his very early pro days. He really was a bit of a supèrstar in Australia for a short period of time. The local media was calling him 'Australia's version of Mike Tyson...lol' even though he wasn't an aussie! I remember Mike Hunter derailing Jimmy's train but he did well in the states later on of course. I also wasn't aware of his post career struggles. RIP.

 

RIP Samoan Warrior.

 

Rest in Peace you will be missed.

 

Fantastic post.

Respect @Sandman_

 

Watching Thunder vs. Grimsley never gets old. Thanks for the highlights, RIP Jimmy.

 

RIP

 

Very sad....RIP.