A former championship boxer from Ribbleton has died aged 59.
Paul Burke died this week after a battle with dementia.
Tributes have been paid by those he helped within the community, which saw him dubbed as ‘the Earl of Preston’.
One of his most famous fights saw him defeat Billy Schwer for the British and Commonwealth titles in 1993 in a lightweight bout at Wembley. He also became Commonwealth light-welterweight champion in 1997.
After his boxing career Paul went on to establish himself as a personal trainer and ran his own fitness business and gym. He also regularly ran charity and community fitness sessions in the city. He even appeared in Hollyoaks at one point.
Adrian Murrell, a key part of the Windrush Festival in the city, was among those to pay tribute.
He said: “He’s helped me out over the years with my groups delivering boxercise and with the men’s health group too.
“He was a great guy Paul and he never said no to me. RIP Champ.”
Paul helped to train lots of future generations of city boxers, including Chris McCabe.
McCabe said: “As a boxer from Preston I’m often asked who do you think is the best boxer from our home city? And there’s a lot to choose from but for me it was no doubt Paul Burke. The British and Commonwealth legend in an era unlike today.
“Paul was a true legend. A gent of a man and will be remembered as Preston’s champion. He left a legacy.”
Paul attended Blessed Sacrament in Ribbleton and then St John Southworth High School. He started boxing as a schoolboy and joined the Manchester Champs Camp.
His career saw him train under Ricky Hatton’s trainer Billy Graham and he was for a time promoted by Frank, now Kelly, Maloney.
Paul’s record saw him fight 43 bouts during his 12 year career with a win record of 28 wins with 10 knockouts.
If you knew Paul and would like to add your tribute, you can send it to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk and we’ll include.
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