KINGSTON, Jan 12: Trevor Berbick’s nephew, Harold Berbick was sentenced to life in prison Friday for the murder of the former heavyweight champion, the Jamaica Observer reported on its website.

The jury also found Harold Berbick’s accomplice, Kenton Gordon, guilty of manslaughter in the October 2006 killing in which police said the pair beat Trevor Berbick to death and left his body in a church courtyard.

The body of the slain fighter was found on the morning of October 28, 2006, with wounds to the back of his head.

Trevor Berbick became the first Jamaican-born fighter to hold a world heavyweight title in March of 1986, when he posted a 12-round unanimous decision over Pinklon Thomas to capture the World Boxing Council crown.

Berbick had represented Jamaica at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and became a Canadian citizen in 1979, not long after he launched his pro career.

In 1981, Berbick beat Muhammad Ali in the final fight of the legendary boxer’s career.

Eight months after his victory over Thomas, Berbick lost his WBC belt to then 20-year-old Mike Tyson, who became the youngest ever heavyweight world champion.—AFP