Boxing

Tony Burns dead: Iconic amateur boxing coach who was part of Team GB dies as Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren lead tributes

Published

2nd February 2021

BRITISH boxing is mourning the loss of Repton ABC hero Tony Burns MBE.

The amateur legend guided the early careers of Olympic winner Audley Harrison and pro world champions like John H Stracey, Maurice Hope, Andy Lee and Darren Barker.

Legendary boxing coach Tony Burns has died

The amateur level icon attended 11 Olympic Games with Team GB

Ex-IBF middleweight king Barker said: “I’m heartbroken to hear the passing of my old amateur coach Tony Burns.

“The man was a legend who spent most of his life down his beloved Repton ABC helping the fighters fulfil their dreams.

“I will cherish all the great times we shared together. I owe him so much.”

Burns moved to London from Wales and boxed for East London’s Repton as an amateur.

During his 45 years at the gym around 300 boxers won national titles and Burns attended eleven Olympic games with Team GB.

In 2009 Burns was called to Buckingham Palace where he was awarded for his services to the amateur code.

Essex promoter Eddie Hearn added: “Just heard the news of the passing of legendary Repton ABC trainer Tony Burns.

“Tony devoted his life to the sport and the development of the younger generation within the community. Saved many lives and was loved by many. Rest in peace.”

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All at Queensberry are sad to learn of the passing of Tony Burns MBE. Tony was a boxing man through and through. He changed countless lives with his work at Repton over the years and he will be deeply missed

We pass on our sincere condolences to Tony’s family and loved ones. RIP

— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) February 2, 2021

Just heard the news of the passing of legendary Repton ABC trainer Tony Burns. Tony devoted his life to the sport and the development of the younger generation within the community. Saved many lives and was loved by many. Rest in peace.

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 2, 2021

Saddened to hear the news that Tony Burns passed away last night – he was my man & great coach – this is us reconnecting in 2016 at ⁦@ReptonBC⁩ we talked like old times & that glint in his eyes was there like yesteryear salute Tony, you’ll be missed #RIPTonyBurns pic.twitter.com/9JgW29SUX9

— Audley Harrison MBE (@audleyharrison) February 2, 2021

Burns shaped the careers of Olympic winner Audley Harrison and pro world champions like John H Stracey, Maurice Hope, Andy Lee and Darren Barker

And matchmaker Frank Warren said: “All at Queensberry are sad to learn of the passing of Tony Burns MBE.

“Tony was a boxing man through and through. He changed countless lives with his work at Repton over the years and he will be deeply missed

“We pass on our sincere condolences to Tony’s family and loved ones. RIP.”

I’m heartbroken to here the passing of my old amateur coach Tony Burns. The man was a legend who spent most of his life down his beloved Repton abc helping the fighters fulfil their dreams. I will cherish all the great times we shared together. I owe him so much. #riptony

— Darren Barker (@DarrenBarker82) February 2, 2021