Lumumba Luis Estaba, WBC Light Flyweight Champion, Dies in Venezuela at 86

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Caracas, Venezuela (February 19th, 2025)– Luis ‘Lumumba’ Estaba, who fought in 14 World Boxing Council Light Flyweight title bouts between 1975 and 1978 as champion and challenger, died in his native Venezuela at age 86 on February 16, 2025.

Estaba was called Lumumba due to his striking physical and facial resemblance to the late Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Congo, was assassinated in 1961, the leader of the Congolese National Movement (CNM) from 1958 to 1961.

Estaba, 41-9-2 with 27 knockouts, Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, who fought 52 pro bouts between 1967 and 1978, was also famous for fighting for the vacant WBC Light Flyweight title against Rafael Lovera of Lambare, Paraguay, who was making his professional debut in what could be regarded as a setup title fight in a division perhaps lacking in available opponents at times, owing to the low weight class.

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].