CYRUS CHRISTIE LEARNED of some heartbreaking news after lining out for Ireland in yesterday’s World Cup qualifier.
The Derby County full-back played 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium, before finding out that his uncle Errol Christie had passed away.
Former boxer Errol won 10 British titles and the European middleweight belt while also captaining the England team as a talented amateur.
He has been battling lung cancer for some time and died at the age of 53 last night.
Cyrus posted on Instagram: ”Tonight my uncle Errol passed away a few hours ago. I post this with a heavy heart and am truly heartbroken 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.”
There have been dozens of other tributes from the boxing world too:
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