Ray Close: Belfast boxing legend dies aged 57

Ledley Hall Youth and Boxing Club in east Belfast, where Close started his boxing journey as a 10-year-old, led tributes and said he was a “true gentleman, humble, kind and always willing to give something back”.

“To our young people, Ray was proof of what could be achieved,” the club posted on Facebook.

“He was someone who had come through the same doors, trained in the same club and gone on to accomplish incredible things.”

The club added that Close’s story has “inspired generations of young people at Ledley Hall and will continue to do so”.

“There are some people who become part of the history and heart of a place, and Ray will always be part of ours.

“We will remember him with enormous pride, affection and gratitude.”

Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy, where Close had trained, said he will be a “huge loss to the boxing fraternity of Ireland and across the world”.

“Ray and his whole family have been a huge part of our club over the years, right from the very start and we are truly devastated.”