Farewell to a much loved champion inside the boxing ring and outside

Friends, family and well-wishers gathered to pay their final respects to city boxing champion Paul Burke.

- by Ed Walker

A floral tribute of 'Champ' was within the funeral cortege as it arrived at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Farringdon Lane, Ribbleton.

Tributes were paid during a public service to remember Paul's boxing career, family life and how he dedicated himself to community fitness sessions in his later years.

Burke, who died suddenly last month aged 58, held the British and Commonwealth lightweight and light-welterweight titles during his professional career.