BREAKING : British boxing legend Errol Christie dies, aged 53

Former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno has led the tributes to the sporting star, who died aged 53.

Mr Bruno took to Twitter to express his condolences, writing: “So sad to hear the news that the hugely talented Errol Christie has passed away. God bless you Errol, RIP.”

Carl Frampton, a former world featherweight champion, also said: “I was lucky enough to meet Errol Christie once or twice. What a lovely man. Sorry to hear about him passing. RIP.”

Fellow boxing legend Chris Eubank tweeted: “Errol Christie, one of the old masters of boxing, has passed away. I sparred with him many times in our early 20s and he was a sweetheart.”

Mr Christie was a regular fixture on ITV Fight Night during the 1980s.

Mr Christie was captain of the English amateur boxing team from 1980 to 1983

Before turning professional, he was the captain of the English amateur boxing team from 1980 to 1983 and became European amateur champion in 1983.

Earlier this month, Mr Christie’s nephew Cyrus Christie, a defender for Derby Football Club, told the Mirror his uncle was struggling to fight his illness.

He said: “My uncle’s got over 100 tumours in his body, he’s had it for quite a while now – nobody has survived that long with what he’s got. The tumours are that strong they’re pushing through his body.

“I went down to visit him because he’s only got a while left and he could pass while I’m away with the national team. It could have been the last time I see him. I had to go and give my wishes.

Mr Christie’s nephew added: “He told me he can’t fight any more, it’s too much for him now — and he’s always been positive. That’s the first time I’ve heard anything negative coming from his mouth.”

The late sporting legend was born in Leicester in 1963, and started boxing at the age of eight at the Standard-Triumph gym in Coventry.

The late star was born in Leicester in 1963

In his early career, Mr Christie lost just two bouts and gained a reputation for early knockouts.

After turning professional in 1983, he won his first 13 fights, 12 of them inside the distance.

Mr Christie retired from boxing in 1993 and worked as a market trader for six years.

Frank Bruno took to Twitter to pay his respects

From 1999, he taught white collar boxers in Holborn, London, and his students have included TV presenter Dermot O’Leary, former footballer Gianluca Vialli, and musician Seal.

Mr Christie also worked with children in schools and community centres during his time as a mentor.