FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA (July 13, 2023)–Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo would like to send out heartfelt condolences to the family of former fighter and three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols.
Echols, who fought under Banner Promotions, unexpectedly passed away in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa at the age of 51.
While with Banner Promotions, Echols captured both the NABF and USBA Middleweight titles, and twice challenged Bernard Hopkins for the IBF Middleweight World Championship. He also dropped a close decision to WBA Super Middleweight champion Anthony Mundine in Australia.
“To say I was shocked is understatement,” said Pelullo. “I just spoke to Antwun a couple weeks before he passed. He was doing well. He went back to school and got his degree. He would call the office a handful of times a year, and we would have some great conversations. Antwun was a great guy and had a terrific sense of humor. He was a terrific fighter who had an outstanding career. Bernard Hopkins told me that Antwun was the hardest puncher that he had fought, and Antwun gave Bernard two excellent fights. I just want to give condolences to his family.”