Tributes have been paid to “champion boxer and high class photographer” Hugh Russell.
The 63-year-old died within the early hours of Friday following an sickness.
Russell made his title within the boxing ring as a younger man, successful bronze medals on the 1978 Commonwealth Video games in Edmonton and the 1980 Olympics in Moscowboth within the flyweight division.
As knowledgeable he claimed British bantamweight and flyweight titles.
Affectionately often called “Little Pink”, Russell went on to forge an award-winning profession as a press photographer on the Irish Information.
Amongst his best-known pictures was one in all Gerry Conlon of the Guildford 4 celebrating with supporters after strolling free from jail in 1989 following the quashing of his wrongful conviction as an IRA bomber.
Russell was on the forefront of reports reporting, capturing photos throughout many years of the Troubles, peace course of and politics in Northern Eire.
The County Antrim Boxing Board described Russell as a “legend of the game”.
They recalled the beginning of his profession at Holy Household Golden Gloves in Belfast, and claiming “innumerable Antrim, Ulster and Irish titles as he rose to Senior Elite”.
“He boxed for Northern Eire on the 1978 Commonwealth Video games in Canada, and got here house with bronze. It was within the 1980 Olympics that be grew to become, at the moment, Eire’s sixth Olympic boxing medallist,” they mentioned.
“Hugh moved on to work as a multi-award successful press photographer, latterly with the Irish Information.
“He was additionally a chief official within the British Boxing Board of Management, overseeing many huge struggle nights in Belfast. In 2019 he was inducted into the Belfast Metropolis Council sporting corridor of fame.
“Following Hugh’s unhappy passing in a single day, tributes are being paid internationally of Irish boxing.
“Hugh will probably be fondly remembered by all within the sport in Eire and will probably be sadly missed.”
Niall O’Carroll, chair of the Irish Athletic Boxing Affiliation (IABA) board of administrators, mentioned: “My first two reminiscences of boxing as a child had been Ali combating Larry Holmes and Hugh successful his bronze medal. Particularly the Russian announcer announcing his title.
“Hugh was the person who began the fashionable success of Irish Olympic boxing. His passing may be very unhappy information – IABA extends its deepest condolences to his household and buddies.”
Irish Information sports activities editor Paul McConville mentioned he was “completely devastated” by the loss.
“Champion boxer and high class photographer however a good friend and colleague who was all the time readily available to lend some sage recommendation or lighten the temper with a sensible crack and that cheeky grin. RIP Champ,” he posted on the social media platform X, beforehand often called Twitter.
North Belfast MP John Finucane mentioned Russell was “extensively appreciated and revered”.
“Very unhappy to listen to the information that Hugh Russell has handed away after a brief sickness. Whether or not it was by way of his work on the Irish Information or as an enormous determine within the boxing world, Hugh was extensively appreciated & revered. A real gentleman, my ideas are along with his spouse Kathleen & all his household & buddies,” he posted on X.