Oliver Harrison dies after battle with cancer
Tributes poured in for the legendary boxing trainer Oliver Harrison who trained numerous boxing champions, including Amir Khan, Rocky Fielding and Martin Murray.
Former WBA world super-middleweight champion Rocky Fielding left a statement on his social media, "Can't believe am writing this am absolutely devastated you've left us OI. Walked into your gym 2010 had one session with you, we clicked and I didn't look back nine years later. We started with nothing and you made me into the fighter I am today, without you I wouldn't be where I am. W won every title along the way. You said I would be a world champion, you believed in me 100% am gonna' miss you man. Rest in peace, you fought 'til the end."
Harrison, 59 from Manchester, was Khan's trainer for his first 17 fights but the pair split up in 2008 following the Bolton fighter's Commonwealth lightweight title victory over Gary St Clair.
The pair reportedly parted ways amid the trainer's concerns over the Bolton man's public engagements, interfering with his fight preparations.
Harrison recently looked after Khan's younger brother Haroon, as well as other Brits Rocky Fielding and Martin Murray, who he guided to a world title fight with Golovkin.
Liverpudlian Fielding had to switch trainers last year because of Harrison's condition and moved to Jamie Moore's gym in Manchester.
Tributes flooded in from the boxing world following the sad news.
Haroon Khan tweeted: "Devastated to read the news about Oliver Harrison my 1st pro-boxing coach gave me so much advice whilst we worked together in the many years of knowing him a true gentleman. Thoughts are with his family."
Former WBA world lightweight champion Anthony Crolla said: "Rest In Peace Oliver Harrison. A man I’ve know since way back in the amateurs. Great trainer and great person. Thoughts as with all his family and friends."
While former WBO world super-welterweight champ Liam Smith wrote: "RIP Oliver Harrison, always a gentleman when I’ve spoke to him, thoughts are with all his family, friends and boxers he coached."
Matchroom Boxing said in a tweet: "RIP Oliver Harrison. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Eddie Hearn also paid respects with: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Oliver Harrison. A great trainer with a peaceful aura who cared deeply for his family and fighters. Rest in peace.”
Boxing manager Neil Marsh said: "So sad hearing Oliver has died, he was a real gentleman and good man who I spent a lot of time around, he was a real top trainer to have in the sport. my thoughts are with his family in this sad time."
Associate Editor of Ring Magazine Tom Gray said: Just catching the news about Oliver Harrison. Thoughts and prayers with the family and friends of a terrific and highly respected coach and very nice man."
Olympian Bradley Saunders remarked: "Cannot believe the news. Rest in peace Oliver. You will be sadly missed mate."
British and European champion, now head of MTK Global, Matthew Macklin said: "Very sad to hear the death od Oliver Harrison. A top trainer and a real gentleman. Boxing has lost a great servant. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and Jamie Moore and Martin Murray and all the lads that trained with him who were very close to him RIP Oliver."
Boxing writer Chris Glover said: "Another great man in the boxing community has gained his wings. Rest easy Oliver Lascelles Harrison – a Manchester legend and a good human being. Thougnts are with Oliver's family and the people who's lives he touched not just in Manchester but the world over."
Contributor to Boxing News Terry Dooley paid tribute: "Saddened by the news that Oliver Harrison has passed away. Quietness can be seen as weakness, but Oliver was a very quiet man who was also as strong as they come and always ready to greet you with an easy smile. Spent many a great morning in his gym, Bob Marey filling the air. RIP."