Alex Hilton, Boxing Legend, Dies at 61

Former Canadian professional boxer Alex Hilton has died at the age of 61. His brother, Jimmy Hilton, announced the news on Facebook on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. According to reports from the Montreal Gazette, Hilton died in his sleep on that date.

Hilton was a prominent figure in the Canadian boxing scene during the 1980s and was the second oldest of the Hilton brothers. He was the brother of Matthew Hilton, a light middleweight world champion and Dave Hilton Jr., a former super middleweight world champion.

Professional Career and Achievements

Hilton achieved significant early success in his professional career. In December 1983, at the age of 18, he won the vacant Canadian middleweight title by defeating Ralph Hollett of Halifax.

His tenure as champion was relatively short. In January 1985, the Canadian Professional Boxing Federation stripped Hilton of his title after he failed to meet a deadline to defend the championship against Michael Olajide Jr.

Hilton continued to compete for nearly two decades after his initial title win. He eventually announced his retirement from the sport in 2004 following a loss to a fighter named Green.

Personal Struggles and Legal History

Outside of the ring, Hilton’s life was marked by significant volatility. A 1986 article in the Toronto Star described him as the enfant terrible of his family. During the mid-1980s, he was arrested on multiple charges.

In 1988, Hilton received a five-year prison sentence for ordering the sexual assault of another inmate while he was already serving time for a separate offense. He also faced legal issues involving robbery and extortion.

In later years, Hilton spoke openly about his attempts to reform his life. In a 2002 interview, he stated that he was trying to live on the straight and narrow. However, reports from the Montreal Gazette indicate that he struggled with alcohol throughout his life.

Family Legacy

The Hilton family established a formidable presence in professional boxing, with multiple brothers reaching world-class levels. While Alex found success at the national level in Canada, his brothers Dave Jr. And Matthew achieved world championships in the super middleweight and light middleweight divisions, respectively.

Alex Hilton’s career and personal trajectory reflected a complex mixture of athletic talent and personal turmoil, a legacy that remained intertwined with his identity until his death on April 7, 2026.