Errol Christie dead: Tributes pour in after British boxing legend loses battle against cancer, aged 53

The ex-middleweight fighter, who captained England in amateur boxing between 1980-83, has been battling the disease for the last two years

Monday 12 June 2017 02:45 EDT
Comments
Errol Christie lost his battle with lung cancer on Sunday
Errol Christie lost his battle with lung cancer on Sunday (Bob Thomas/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former British boxer Errol Christie has died from cancer aged 53, his footballer nephew Cyrus has announced on Twitter.

The ex-middleweight fighter, who captained England in amateur boxing between 1980-83, has been battling the disease for the last two years but died on Sunday.

Derby defender Cyrus, who played for Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifying draw with Austria on Sunday afternoon, tweeted: "RIP champ legends never die..heart is broken rest in paradise uncle your not in pain anymore..till we meet again."

He also retweeted a number of tributes to his uncle, including from Frank Bruno, Chris Eubank and Carl Frampton.

Former heavyweight champion Bruno said: "Very very saddened to hear Errol Christie has passed away after a long battle with cancer, God rest his soul. such a talented man...RIP."

Eubank added: "Errol Christie one of the old masters of boxing has passed away. I sparred with him many times in our early 20s & he was a sweetheart. RIP"

Barry McGuigan said: "So sad to hear the news that the hugely talented Errol Christie has passed away, God bless you Errol RIP deepest sympathies to his family."

Erroll, who has a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the only British boxer to win 10 amateur titles, was diagnosed with the disease in March 2015.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in