Cyrus Christie has paid tribute to his uncle Errol who died on Sunday evening.
Just hours after playing in Ireland's 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw with Austria in Dublin, Christie posted to Instagram confirming that his uncle had passed away.
The 53-year-old had been suffering from lung cancer for the past two years.
Tonight my uncle Errol passed away a few hours ago.. I post this with a heavy heart and am truly heart broken with the loss of a true champion.. legends never die not once did he retreat or surrender rest in paradise uncle till we all meet again.. you shall suffer no more we will all make you proud your spirit lives on
Errol Christie was a prominent boxer in Britain in the 1980s, losing just two fights in an 80-fight amateur career. He holds a place in the Guinness Book Of World Records as the only British fighter to win all ten titles which were available.
After he turned pro, Errol was the main attraction of ITV's boxing coverage.
In an interview with the Irish Sun earlier this month, Cyrus Christie said that Errol had paved the way for his generation of young black men.
His career was phenomenal, to be honest, and there were some records that can’t be beaten because they’ve taken away the titles.
He’ll live long in the memory. He’s got a great fanbase and people in boxing love him. He’s world-renowned, everyone is rooting for him.
He’s paved the way for our generation to do what we are doing.
The struggles and the trials and tribulations he came through were fantastic and it gives you courage to carry on and come through adversity.
