Kevin Payne

Kevin Payne (January 12, 1972 – March 19, 2006) was an American professional boxer from Evansville, Indiana. A popular figure in the local boxing community, Payne compiled a professional record of 14 wins, 5 losses and 1 draw during a career that lasted from 1995 to 2006.

Boxing Career

Payne began boxing as an amateur and won the 1990 Indiana Golden Gloves championship at 119 pounds.

He made his professional debut in 1995 and fought frequently in the Evansville area, including bouts at Ellis Park, The Centre and other local venues. Payne competed as a welterweight and faced several notable opponents during his career, including future world champion Fernando Vargas.

By 2006, Payne was attempting to earn the biggest opportunity of his professional career — a potential televised fight against Julio César Chávez Jr.

Final Fight and Death

On March 18, 2006, Payne faced Ryan Maraldo in an eight-round welterweight bout at The Centre in downtown Evansville.

Payne won the fight by split decision, improving his professional record to 14-5-1. The bout was intended to help determine an opponent for Chávez Jr.

Shortly after the fight, however, Payne collapsed and was transported to Deaconess Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for a serious brain injury.

Payne died the following afternoon, March 19, 2006, at age 34. His death was attributed to brain injuries suffered during the fight. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Legacy

Payne is remembered as one of Evansville’s notable professional boxers and a popular member of the city’s boxing community.

He was posthumously inducted into the Greater Evansville Boxing Hall of Fame, recognizing his career and contributions to boxing in the Evansville area.