Report: Former Shane Mosley Foe Shannan Taylor Dies of Drug Overdose

Shannan Taylor, a former challenger of Shane Mosley, was reported in serious condition and courageously fighting for his life at the Wollongong Hospital in Australia.

Barry Michael, one of his promoters, told 3AW.com in a text message that "Taylor's life support had been turned off at 1:30pm on Monday."

"Moments before Michael's text message came through, boxer Anthony Mundine passed on his condolences to Taylor, exclaiming: "I just heard about Shannon Taylor!!! DRUGS is killing a lot of people...rest in peace my man! He was a good guy!", 3AW.com quoted.

 However, Mundine soon after posted another message that read: "So Shannon is still kicking! Good news !!!"

Taylor's reported death remains sketchy at this time because there are conflicting reports from various sources.

Taylor's partner, Bec, thanked those who prayed and expressed support for her partner. She asked that they be given privacy.

"Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers at such a difficult time, as you can imagine it's a very hard time for myself and the children so I would like to ask that people please respect our privacy as I'm doing my best to shelter our children and trying my best to remain strong. Bec x."

Shannan Taylor, 39, who was reportedly scheduled to face Garth Wood in Melbourne in February, fought Shane Mosley in 2001 but lost to the then pound—for—pound king.

Shannan is the current World Boxing Foundation (WBF) world middleweight champion, after winning over Thailand's Sintung Kietbusaba, at the Snakepit last month.

He has a 52-10 record with 37 knockouts in his professional career.