Two of the sports most loved personalities have sadly passed away on Friday, bringing sorrow to the boxing community.

Sheffield’s Brendan Ingle who died aged 77 was known for being one of the very best trainers, guiding four fighters to world titles, including Naseem Hamad and Johnny Nelson.

A family statement read: “Brendan passed away peacefully at 7.40am at the Royal Hallamshire hospital.

“He suffered a brain haemorrhage last week. He was making a good recovery but then suffered a further bleed to his brain on Monday.

“His family and Johnny Nelson have been by his bedside 24/7 until his passing. We are devastated.

“But, as Brendan always said, life goes on”

Bristol’s Dean Francis, 44  known as ‘The Star’ finally succumbed to terminal cancer after being diagnosed in early 2017.

Francis, who won titles at super-middleweight, light-heavyweight and cruiserweight in his career, leaves behind his wife Ghalia and young son Rocco.

Always the fighter, it wasn’t only in a boxing ring that he waged war, showing a warriors heart after his own diagnosis, he fought for others suffering similar battles.

It is with an heavy heart that both men will be solely missed, they go into the night with a thank you from us all for elevating the sport to new levels and for being great role models for all.

RIP