A memorial to British champion boxer Gary Mason will be unveiled later this month.

Mason, who was killed when he was knocked off his bike in January 2011, will be remembered with a mural at the Phoenix Centre, on the Roundshaw Estate where the boxing legend lived.

Rob Callus, a former boxer himself, who fought Mason on two occasions and who is helping organise the memorial event, said it was about time something was done in his honour.

He said: "Gary was a huge inspiration to many people, and he loved the area. As well as the mural at the Phoenix Centre, we will also be unveiling a memorial bench which will be positioned outside his local church.

"He was a spiritual man and I'm sure he would be happy to have people sitting on his bench and getting inspired."

As well as the unveiling, on August 25 at 1pm, there will also be a boxing and a basketball demonstration.

Mr Callus said: "Sport was so close to Gary's heart, he was very keen on getting young people active, so that is what we are going to try and do."

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chairwoman of Sutton Council's environment and neighbourhood committee said: "Gary was – and still is – thought of very fondly within the borough and his untimely death in 2011 impacted on a lot of people.

His sporting achievements as well as everything else he did for the community deserve recognition. We have been working with his family to ensure that Gary’s legacy lives long in the memory of everyone within the borough and that a fitting tribute can be made to this sporting great."

 

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