Brendan Ingle passes away at the age of 77

3:39 Legendary boxing trainer Brendan Ingle has passed away. The Irishman was one of the most influential figures on the domestic fight scene and trained four world champions. Legendary boxing trainer Brendan Ingle has passed away. The Irishman was one of the most influential figures on the domestic fight scene and trained four world champions.

Boxing trainer Brendan Ingle has died at the age of 77.

A former pro fighter himself, the Irishman went on to train four world champions, including Johnny Nelson and Naseem Hamed.

A family statement on Friday read: "Brendan passed away peacefully at 7.40am at the Royal Hallamshire hospital.

"He suffered a brain haemorrhage last week. He was making a good recovery but then suffered a further bleed to his brain on Monday.

"His family and Johnny Nelson have been by his bedside 24/7 until his passing. We are devastated.

"But, as Brendan always said, life goes on."

Ingle guided Hamed to world-title glory

Born in Dublin in 1940, Ingle moved to England when he was 18 and went on to box professionally.

But it was as one of the most successful trainers of all time that he made his name.

He initially established the Ingle Gym to provide a place for young people to train and he was awarded an MBE in 1998 for his services and contributions to British boxing, and his work with young people in the Sheffield area.

He also has an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.

Based in Sheffield, Ingle's gym in Wincobank was the base for world champions Nelson, Hamed, Junior Witter and multiple domestic champions.

The gym continues to thrive, with Ingle's sons Dominic and John having assumed control.

Tributes have been coming in for Ingle, emphasising his popularity throughout the boxing world.

Former lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla wrote on Twitter: "Just seen the sad news about Brendan Ingle.

"What he created at the Wincobank gym with his sons and others is a very special piece of British boxing history."

Hearing the news about Brendan Ingle and Dean Francis is truly heartbreaking.. My thoughts are with all family and friends of both men at these difficult times.. Brendan Ingle has left a legacy that very few can ever compare to.. so sad 😔 — Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) May 25, 2018

Promoter Eddie Hearn wrote: "Just heard about the passing of Brendan Ingle. A sad day for boxing, he did so much for the sport and the community.

"Our thoughts with Dom, John and all the family."