Brother of Kirkland Laing sadly passes away aged just 68

Tributes paid to former British boxing champion Tony Laing, who died at the age of 68

Tony sadly dies on August 30 at the young age of just 68

Born in Jamaica on 22 September 1957, Tony Laing was raised in Nottingham, along with his brother Kirkland, and enjoyed a successful professional career in the 1980s, winning the British and Commonwealth light-welterweight titles.

Tony stayed in Nottingham after retiring and coached young boxers for decades, leaving a lasting legacy across the city.

He was the younger brother of Kirkland Laing, widely regarded as one of the greatest British boxers of all-time.

British and European champion Kirkland fought 56 times over an illustrious 20-year career, the highlight of which was a shock split decision win over the great Roberto Durán in September 1982, the fight later selected as Ring Magazine's upset of the year.

Kirkland also died young, at 66, in 2021.

Tributes

Former world champion Jawaid Khaliq, who runs JK Boxing Academy in St Ann's, said Laing was "a legend" and "one of the greats" for Nottingham boxers.

"I think a lot of youngsters looked up to him, and he was very important," he said.

"He was old school, he trained like a madman... I watched some of his fights, and he was a tough, come-forward, aggressive fighter.

"A lot of people like that kind of style, because it's very exciting and crowd-pleasing.

"I think he was well respected by a lot of the boxers, he was a true professional."

Marcellus Baz, a boxing coach and anti-knife crime campaigner, said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the death of his friend, who he described as "a true boxing legend in Nottingham".

"He really put the sport on the map when he won the [championship], but his achievements go far beyond the ring as well," he said.

"I think his legacy's going to live on for what he achieved in the ring, but also his infectious personality and his dedication, not just to the sport but to the community.

"When I've been out and about loads of people have come up and said, 'we're really sad that he's gone, we've got to keep his legacy going', and that really now is on all of us to do something."

GBN would like to extend their sincere condolences to all of Tony's family and friends at this difficult time.