EX-CHAMP WAS ‘ONE OF A KIND’
SADNESS AT DEATH OF FORMER BOXER, AGED 40
FAMILY members of former Nottingham boxing champion Nicky Booth have spoken of their heartbreak following his death.
The former British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion died at the Queen’s Medical Centre on Wednesday at the age of 40 after being admitted for liver failure.
Mr Booth, who was described as a “top lad” by the boxing community, spent five days in hospital before nurses informed his family that he “wouldn’t make it through the night”.
He was known as “1 Smooth” during his time in the ring, and is the younger brother of former boxing champion Jason Booth, who was known as “2 Smooth”.
The siblings attended the Radford Boxing Club as youngsters, both growing up in the Radford area.
Mum Michelle Booth, 62, said: “I adored my son Nicky, I loved his cheeky smile and his banter. He was always a happy chappy. I will miss him so much. It has left a hole in my heart.”
His sister Billie, 26, also paid tribute to her brother, saying: “Nicky was one of a kind, a top bloke who was always a jolly man, making people laugh.
“There was never a dull moment with him. I will miss my brother so so much. He will never be forgotten. He’s the champ, ‘1 smooth’ Nicky Booth.”
Sherry Harrison, Nicky’s cousin, also told the Post: “Nicky was one of a kind, a true and free spirit. He was troubled but nonetheless a happy-go-lucky man with a brilliant sense of humour.
“He walked many tough roads in his life, and he fought profession
ally, but more than that, he fought personally and emotionally and like a true champion he fought until the very end.
“He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends and now reunited with his loved ones. As a family we hope he finds a forever peace.”
Mr Booth stopped boxing professionally in 2003 after he lost a World Boxing Union title fight at Harvey Hadden Stadium, in Bilborough, against Nathan Sting. He retired with a record of 17 wins from 23 fights.
News of his was also been met with great sadness among members of the boxing community.
Former world welterweight champion Jawaid Khaliq, 50, of West Bridgford, explained he trained with both of the Booth brothers and paid tribute to Nicky.
Mr Khaliq, who runs the Jawaid Khaliq Boxing Academy at the Sycamore Centre in St Ann’s, said: “I used to pick both of them up from the house on the way to Alfreton.
“We were on quite a few shows together, we had some great nights and I have some really good memories of both of them. Condolences to all the family. He will be really missed. It’s very sad news, especially at such a young age.”
He added: “He was a joker in the gym, never really taking anything seriously, apart from when he was getting ready for fights.”
Marcellus Baz, who runs the Nottingham School of Boxing in St Ann’s, said: “He was a top lad. Both brothers were very, very talented kids. He did Nottingham proud.”
Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid Tweeted: “So sad to hear the news Nicky Booth has passed away so young, I remember him and his brother coming to our training ground at Forest for a session. Life is fragile and needs to be nurtured.”
And Irish boxing legend and promoter Barry Mcguigan said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Nicky Booth. RIP. Deepest sympathies to his brother Jason and his family.”