A grieving family paid their last respects to a boxer and his 25-year-old son who died within weeks of each other.
Tony Rowbotham, from Hartlepool, died suddenly on August 9, aged 52.
The blow to his family comes as they mourn the tragic loss of their son, Liam, who died on July 13.
Both men were well known in boxing circles in their hometown and in Middlesbrough. As a bricklayer and builder, Tony was passionate about his work.
His loved ones say he was a devoted family man who always encouraged his six children to be the best they could be.
The circumstances surrounding both deaths are being investigated. An inquest has been opened for Liam and the family hope the same will be done for Tony.
“When Liam died, we couldn’t hold Tony,” said family member Kirsty. “He taught Liam everything, how to box, how to build. He wasn’t very good at it, we all are.”
Tony Rowbotham, 52, and his 25-year-old son, Liam, both died within weeks of each other
Tony’s family said he was a family man who always pushed his six children to be the best they could be.
Tributes poured in, many of them from people who had been Tony’s boxing partners.
“Everyone thought he was invincible,” Kirsty said. “We all thought that and that’s why we couldn’t believe what had happened. Tony had loads of friends. He would do anything for anyone. He was a true family man. For him, everything revolved around us.”
Tony played more than 70 games as a youth, including five professional matches, after coming under the tutelage of Hartlepool coach Peter Cope. He joined the Boys Welfare team, sponsored by Gus Robinson.
He last competed professionally at the age of 27, but continued training. His three sons followed in his footsteps.
“Tony didn’t have a good upbringing, but Peter Cope protected him,” Kirsty said. “He described Tony as a friend, son and fierce fighter. He even named one of his children after Tony.
“We have received a lot of messages and they all say he is a legend. Like us, they all consider him untouchable.”
Tony then took up Brazilian jui jitsu. He was a regular member of Gracie Barra at Sotherby Road, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool’s Cromwell Street, now run as Seven Jui Jitsu.
He even once wrestled in training with Hollywood star Tom Hardy, who is a fan of the sport, and joked to his family afterwards that he was the better fighter ‘and better looking’.
Kirsty said: ‘He loved jui jitsu. It was something fresh, he used to say it made him feel like he was reborn.’
Liam was a much-loved brother and son and his family is also trying to find meaning in his death.
Tony is father to Liam, Emily, 22, Henry, 20, George, 16, Daisy 12 and nine-year-old Nancy.
His family said Tony’s motto was ‘no white flags’ and he relished new challenges. After just one year of training in the martial art, he earned a blue belt – the second adult rank in the martial art.
“He gave everything he had to everything he did,” Kirsty said, including his recovery from major surgery in 2023 after being diagnosed with a rare blood disease.
Tony’s body produces too many blood cells, which causes his blood to thicken and some blood vessels to become blocked. This can increase the risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Kirsty explained that Tony’s body had responded to the condition by growing new blood vessels in his legs which could potentially save his life. “The doctors were amazed – the surgeon called him ‘the giant'”, she said.
He spent 11 hours on the operating table at James Cook University Hospital, but within six weeks he was fully recovered and back training jui jitsu three months later. “He has a scar on his stomach from the operation, but he’s still got his six-pack back,” Kirsty said.
Tony is father to Liam, Emily, 22, Henry, 20, George, 16, Daisy, 12, and nine-year-old Nancy.
Emily remembered her father’s competitive nature, always determined to succeed at whatever he wanted.
‘When we used to practice dancing, he would do hand stands and crabs with us, but he tried to do better,’ she said.
Sharing another fond memory, Kirsty recalled how Tony loved music and would adapt his song choices to suit the mood in the house.
“When he got his blue belt, he’d play the song ‘Blue’. And if the kids were fighting, he’d play the Rocky theme song,” he said.
Tony has fought in over 70 fights as a youth, including five professional bouts, after coming under the tutelage of Hartlepool coach Peter Cope.
Emily remembers Tony having nicknames for all of them, even his dog. She said he always encouraged them to get outdoors and stay fit.
He and Henry remember how their father took all the children to the beach, ‘when it was pitch black and very cold’.
“He’s got us covered,” said Henry, 20. Kirsty agreed, saying: “He’s very determined, that’s the way he thinks.
“He always told the kids that anything is possible, you just have to make it happen. ‘There is no such thing as failure’ – that’s what he always said.”
Liam was a much-loved brother and son and his family are also struggling to come to terms with his death at such a young age. The 25-year-old attended Sacred Heart and English Martyrs schools and trained at the Elite Boxing Academy in Hartlepool.
He also had his own company LGR Pointing, which his brother George will take over after completing his apprenticeship. Many condolences have been shared on social media from family members and friends.
The Hartlepool mental health charity that supported Liam – Lily-Anne’s Wellbeing – said Liam was ‘always the centre of attention in the room’ and ‘always had a smile on his face’. The team added: ‘We will miss you, his cheeky smile and his wonderful banter.’
Kirsty thanked people for the support they received as they mourned the loss of Tony and Liam.
Tony’s funeral will be held at St Joseph’s Church on Hutton Avenue in Hartlepool on September 20 at 1pm and the family said everyone who knew him is welcome to attend.
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