Career
He was also known by his nickname Tarzan. Delannoit came from a working-class family with 12 children from a working-class neighborhood. Of the 7 sons, three were boxers.
The victory by a decision in 15 rounds was all the more remarkable because it was the first defeat of Cerdan in 105 boxing fights.
In 1949 he lost back the title to the Italian boxer Tiberio Mitri. Delannoit"s shining days had finished despite further matches.
In 1951, he appeared briefly in the film Ah! Delannoit left his residence in Geraardsbergen to live in Brussels, living there for more than 20 years. At the end of the 1970s he returned to his hometown, completely destitute, and in need of social welfare for him and his family.
He died in poverty in 1998 after a long illness.
The life story of Cyriel Delannoit has been a source of inspiration for various scripts and films. Fernand Handtpoorter wrote the story of Delannoit for a documentary about him. The Belgian television series Koning van de Wereld (meaning King of the world) was partly based on the life story of the boxer.
In 2005 he was nominated for The Greatest Belgian but finishing at 321 in the final listing.