Brave Lee Noble dead at 33
Eddie Hearn, Ryan Rhodes, Kevin Mitchell and many others paid tribute to the late Lee Noble, who sadly passed away aged 33.
After a brave battle with cancer, he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning, March 21, with his family and friends by his side in Sheffield.
Family friend Brendan O'Connor shared details of his death, revealing that Lee had an infection, but was weakened by the leukaemia.
Promoter Eddie Hearn led the tributes with, "Very saddened to hear of the passing of Lee Noble. Lee fought his illness so bravely for many years and my thoughts and everyone at Matchroom are with him and his family. At peace now."
Boxing News Magazine stated, "We are deeply saddened to learn of Lee Noble's death. For many years, Lee fought his illness courageously. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Sleep tight, champ."
Former British and European champ Rhodes posted an image of Lee in the ring with the words "RIP Lee".
World title contender Kevin Mitchell, who used to visit Lee in hospital, said, "It's gutting. I just found out this morning. I thought he was going to beat it as well. I knew him really well. When he was having a lot of treatment in London, me and my brother used to meet up with him. Rest in peace Lee".
Ellie Scotney was elated to win her second pro fight last night on the undercard of Okolie vs Glowacki, but was saddened by the tragic news she woke up to in the morning, "Heartbreaking news to wake up to the passing of Lee Noble, fought until the final bell. Rest in perfect peace Champ."
Two-time WBO European champ, Conrad Cummings added, "Saddened to hear about the death of boxer Lee Noble, only 33 years young also. So sad. RIP champ."
Former Southern Area titlist Danny Connor said, "Rest in peace Lightning Lee Noble, absolutely gutted. I know Brendan [Ingle] would have been there to meet him when he got to the gates of heaven, Lee Noble fought this battle like he fought in the ring, with style and grit, the man never complained once, what a warrior, I'll never forget you champ! Til we meet again! LEE NOBLE".
Frankie Gavin said, "RIP Lee Noble. Warrior and gentleman."
Sky Sports' Adam Smith added, "Very sad to hear about Lee Noble – lovely guy and what a brave man and fighter."
The World Boxing Council released this statement, "The WBC expresses its admiration and respect for this incredibly courageous fight that Lee has bravely fought. With the spirit and fortitude of a truly great man, he battled this terrible illness, every inch of the way. And in deep admiration, we named Lee Honorary Champion. Brave and uncomplaining, Lee showed us how to fight by example. The entire family of the WBC and our President Mauricio Sulaimán Saldívar, send our deepest condolences to Lee's family and many friends. Rest In Peace Dear Lee. You won’t be forgotten."
'Lightning' Lee Noble made his professional debut in 2006 and finished his career in 2014 with a record of 20 wins, 24 losses and three draws. He fought Billy Joe Saunders in December 2009, going the distance with the then 4-0 future two-weight world champion on the undercard of Kevin Mitchell vs Breidis Prescott. The two were close friends thereafter.
Noble only lost two from his last 10 contests, winning his final five fights. The Barnsley boxer also had a bareknuckle boxing fight in 2016.
Lee's battle with leukaemia lasted for many years and he managed to beat the disease twice, but it returned and he was treated in University College London in 2020. He was visited regularly by friends but he was 200 miles from his family, which was very difficult.
His bravery knew no bounds, releasing this statement in 2020 when he learned of his relapse, "Absolutely devastated the cancer has come back again and the doctors have run out of ptions so basically there's no more treatment available (terminal). I'm still walking tall, chest out, chin up. I won't stop fighting 'til it's impossible to fight, let's see now if cannabis oil really does work!!
"I want to thank everyone wh o has supported and shown me love over the last six years with my battle with leukaemia and those who followed all over the country with my boxing career and most of all my mum and dad for keeping positive when I've been at my lowest, there are too many to mention but you know who you are, it means the world to me, buckle up for the biggest fght of my life."
He poignantly finished with, "Big love to everyone, use me as an example to not waste your life, cherish every moment and don't let the little things get you down, your health is your wealth, trust me, embrace life while you got the chance."
BBN would also like to offer their deepest condolences to Lee's family and friends at this difficult time.
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