Hugh Russell, 63 years old: The double British boxing champion died after a long illness. Tributes poured in.

Former British boxing champion Hugh Russell has sadly passed away at the age of 63. Russell, who represented the Republic of Ireland, won a bronze medal in the 1980 Olympic Games. He went on to become a double British champion in the flyweight and bantamweight division. His bronze medal in Moscow was Ireland's first Olympic medal in over 15 years.

Tributes pour in for a boxing legend

Russell, affectionately known as "Little Red", retired from professional boxing in 1985 and later became a photographer. He worked for Irish News, where he was highly regarded by his colleagues. Sports editor Paul McConville paid tribute to Russell, describing him as a champion boxer and a top-class photographer. Many in the boxing world, including fellow Northern Irish boxer Carl Frampton and promoter Frank Warren, have expressed their condolences and remembered Russell as a kind and respected figure in the sport.

McConville said, "Absolutely devastated by the loss of colleague Hugh Russell. Champion boxer and top-class photographer, but a friend and colleague who was always on hand to lend some sage advice or lighten the mood with a wise crack and that cheeky grin. RIP Champ."

Frampton wrote, "I've just heard the sad news that Hugh Russell passed away. As a BBBoC member and an ex-boxer, he always had the fighters' best interest at heart. One of the nicest men you could meet. RIP Hughie."

Promoter Frank Warren added, "A former Olympic medalist and British champion, Hugh will be a greatly missed figure in our sport, and above all else was a thoroughly nice man and a great ambassador for boxing in Northern Ireland."

Another Irish News photographer, Mal McCann, also paid tribute to Russell, saying, "Absolutely devastated that my friend, colleague, and champion Hugh Russell has passed away today. Things won't be the same without you. Rest in peace Champ."

Kevin Scott, a colleague of Russell, tweeted, "Devastated at the passing of the legend, Hugh Russell. I have never met a kinder person than Hugh. Always a smile, a laugh, and a punchy opening line when you met. My thoughts today are with his family and Irish News colleagues, who I know cherished him so dearly. RIP Hugh."

Hugh Russell's death is a great loss to the boxing community, and his legacy as a talented fighter and respected photographer will be remembered by all who knew him.