Irish boxing grieves 'massive loss' of Olympic legend Hugh Russell

Hugh Russell, who won an Olympic medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, passed away last week aged 63 after a short illness.

His passing has left Irish boxing mourning the loss of one of their greats and has led to tributes from some of boxing's best.

According to dailymail.co.uk, former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton said: 'I've just heard the sad news that Hugh Russell passed away."

"As a BBBoC (British Boxing Board of Control) member and an ex-boxer, he always had the fighters' best interest at heart. One of the nicest men you could meet. RIP Hughie."

Boxing Ireland wrote their tribute for Russell, saying: "RIP Hugh Russell Snr. An absolute gentleman and legend inside and outside the ring."

"(We) would definitely not have been able to put on any of the shows in Belfast without his help, support and encouragement, a massive loss to the boxing community."

Russell made his name in the Irish boxing community as an 18-year-old after winning a flyweight bronze medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games for Northern Ireland in Edmonton.

Russell travelled to the Olympics in 1980 off the back of his success at the Commonwealth Games, securing an Olympic bronze medal after beating North Korea's Ryon Sik Yo in a 3-2 decision.

Before winning the medal that he later claimed 'changed my life,' Russell defeated Samir Khenyab of Iraq and Emmanuel Mlundwa of Tanzania by unanimous decision before losing to Bulgaria's Petar Lessov in the semifinal, who would eventually win the gold.

After Olympic and Commonwealth Games success, Russell signed a professional deal with the legendary Belfast promoter Barney Eastwood.

The Olympic medallist had a scintillating start to his career as a professional, winning his first eight fights before coming up against fellow Commonwealth Games medallist Davy Larmour in two major Irish bouts.

Russell won the first bout, securing the Irish Bantamweight title, but lost the second fight. Despite that, his eyes were set on the British title.

The Northern Irishman won another two fights and then secured the British title in his 12th pro bout, beating John Feeney in Ulster after Feeney was disqualified in the 12th round for misuse of the head.

Russell would face Davy Larmour again six weeks later and lose his British title at Bantamweight. However, Russell decided to drop to his more accustomed flyweight to challenge again.

Ten months later, Russell secured his legendary status at flyweight, recording a British title after stopping champion Kelvin Smart in seven rounds.

After boxing, Russell became a photographer for the Irish News and became a figurehead in the Irish boxing amateur scene, helping set up events and training fighters.