Dave Stacey, the first boxing trainer of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has died at the age of 85.
Stacey, who taught Fury the fundamentals of boxing at Torbay Amateur Boxing Club in Devon, played a crucial role in shaping the early career of the future two-time world heavyweight champion.
The respected trainer worked with Fury when the boxing star moved to stay with family in the South West, where he began his journey in the sport.
Recalling their first encounter, Stacey said: "This young boy turned up on his own one night and asked to train with us.
"He was a big lad, I'd say nearly 6ft tall then. We didn't turn away boys who wanted to train."
"Although he never boxed for us, he kept coming to train and spar for about six months, and then his family must have moved on," Stacey added.
Tyson Fury's first boxing trainer has died
PA
"I didn't remember much about him, because I treat everyone the same and there were lots of other boys to look after."
During this period, Fury was staying with his aunt and uncle in Torquay, where he also learned to read and write.
Years later, Stacey and Fury's paths crossed again at a boxing show in Blackpool, where the heavyweight was a guest of honour.
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"He presented our boy with a prize, realised where he was from and said 'I trained at your club when I was a kid'," Stacey recalled.
"Our lad told him 'And the guy who trained you is stood over there', and then Tyson came over, shook my hand and thanked me."
Stacey added: "It was nice of him to come over and speak to me because there were lots of other people wanting to talk to him."
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Following his passing, Stacey's daughter Nicole led the tributes, saying: "First and foremost, he was a real family man and was always very proud to tell other people that he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be a husband and father."
"He was a very loyal person and would do absolutely anything for us. People would always describe him as a real character and he was unashamedly himself," she added.
Torbay Amateur Boxing Club paid their respects on Facebook, stating: "Torbay ABC are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stacey, a highly regarded coach for the club.
"RIP Dave you were a true legend."
Tyson Fury is a two-time heavyweight champion
PA
Beyond his work with Fury, Stacey helped shape the careers of several other successful boxers, including former WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison.
His contributions to boxing were formally recognised in 2014 when he received a local lifetime achievement award.
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Torbay Amateur Boxing Club paid tribute to Dave Stacey
Torbay Amateur Boxing Club
Nicole Stacey highlighted her father's resilient spirit, saying: "If there was a setback of any kind he wouldn't dwell on it, he would tell people how he felt, pick himself up and take the challenge on.
"I suppose that's the boxing mentality and focus."
