Boxing: Tributes paid to 'trailblazer' of sport on Island

Manx ABC confirms passing of former competitor, Jack Osborne

Tributes are being paid following the death of someone hailed as a 'trailblazer' in the sport of boxing on the Isle of Man.

Manx ABC has announced that one of its former competitors, Jack Osborne has died 'peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by his family.'

Furthermore, the club says Mr Osborne's legacy 'will live on through the boxers he inspired', adding their 'thoughts and deepest sympathies' are with his family at this time.

Back in 1958, Mr Osborne became the Isle of Man's first ever amateur boxer to compete at the Empire Games - now known as the Commonwealth Games - which took place in Cardiff, Wales that year.

In 2022, ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in that year, he was part of the Queen's Baton Relay on Island, handing the baton to now-professional boxer, Jade Burden who was one of two Island-born athletes to compete in boxing at the games nearly four years ago.

In a tribute on social media, Manx ABC also says Mr Osborne went on to pave the way 'for generations of Manx boxers to follow in his footsteps' and 'gave his all both in and out the ring.'