BOXER Lee Noble has died aged 33 after a brave battle with cancer.
SunSport confirmed that Lee sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning with his family and friends by his side in Sheffield.
Family friend Brendan O’Connor told us: “I just spoke to his family and they said he had an infection, but he was weakened by the leukaemia.
“I knew Lee through boxing and we’d always meet up in London before he was ill.
“And when he became ill that’s when we became really close to him because he was in hospital in London.
“He was 200 miles away from his family who came down but they couldn’t come every day, and because I was working close by I used to visit him every day in University College London Hospital.
“He’s a lovely lad, he’s a real fighter in and out the ring and fought the best.
“I was reading the tweets to his family this morning and they want to thank everyone for their support while also respecting their privacy.”
Ex-world title challenger Kevin Mitchell said: “It’s gutting. I just found out this morning. I thought he was going to beat it as well.
“I knew him really well. When he was having a lot of treatment in London, me and my brother used to meet up with him.
“And then when he wasn’t well enough I’d take food down to him.
“When you visit him, you just try and give him a lift and give him a laugh. It’s just sad.”
Lee was first diagnosed with leukaemia in 2014 and confirmed he had terminal brain cancer in 2019.
He had the support of several boxers and promoters throughout his illness, receiving a WBC honorary belt and letter in 2019 for his fight.
Eddie Hearn was one of many to lead the tributes for the former super-middleweight online.
Hearn tweeted: “Very saddened to hear of the passing of Lee Noble.
“Lee fought his illness so bravely for many Years and my thoughts and everyone at Matchroom are with him and his family. At peace now.”
Lee fought the likes of Billy Joe Saunders, Martin Murray and John Ryder during his career.
His last win in the professional boxing ring came in 2014, which marked his fifth in a row.
He was managed by the Ingle family – who famously trained Prince Naseem Hamed – and was supported by Kell Brook, Kid Galahad and Saunders during his battle.
In August 2020, Noble tragically revealed his treatment had ran out, but vowed to carry on fighting.
His death sparked heartbreak across the boxing world, as several paid their respect to the brave fighter.
Conrad Cummings tweeted: “Saddened to hear about the death of Boxer Lee Noble, only 33 years young also. So sad. RIP champ xx.”
Ellie Scotney wrote: “Heartbreaking news to wake up to the passing of Lee Noble, fought until the final bell. Rest in perfect peace Champ.”
Kal Yafai posted: “RIP Lee Noble.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
