Boxing champion Tony Webster dies aged 86

The much-loved and highly respected former professional boxer Tony Webster of Norwich has died at the age of 86.

And money raised in his memory will go to the world-famous Lads Club where Tony was followed into the ring by his son Paul and now his grandson Kristian.

Over the last century and more the club has produced some highly talented boxers with a big following and one of them was Tony.

Tony, married to Pauline for 64 years, was born in Norwich and went to the Norman School where he loved all sport – especially boxing.

He was welcomed at the Lads Club where he boxed first as a bantamweight and then a featherweight before his National Service.

Joining the Army he became a member of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps boxing team and served as a physical training instructor in Singapore.

The crowds loved his boxing style and he became a district champion and a medal winner in the 1955 South East Asia Games when a report described as: “One of the most promising amateurs in the game today.”

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Back in Norwich his mother was presented with his county colours and on his return home Tony became a professional boxer. Some of his bouts were televised.

Promotor Freddie King looked after him and Tony attracted large crowds when he was on the bill at fight nights across the country.

His son Paul followed him into the ring at the Lads Club, winning a junior ABA championship in the Eastern Counties, and now his grandson Kristian, aged 19, is a member of the club.

As well as his wife, he leaves his son Paul, daughter Gina, grandchildren Ryan, Danielle, Luke, Kristian and Ethan and great grandchildren Neve and Bella.

Tony’s funeral will take place at St Faiths Crematorium on  Friday August 4 at 2.30pm followed by a gathering at St Faiths Centre.

Family flowers only but money raised in Tony’s memory will go towards buying new equipment at the Lads Club.