FRANK WARREN has led the tributes to boxing trainer and former champion James Cook – who has passed away at 66.
Cook – who won the British and European super-middleweight titles during his career – was diagnosed with bladder cancer this year.
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And after a short battle, he has sadly passed away as boxing mourned the respected coach and former fighter.
Promoter Warren posted: “Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of James Cook MBE.
“A true gentleman of our sport who achieved incredible things inside and outside of the ring.
“The work he has done for youths in East London will live on forever and he will be hugely missed.
“Our condolences to his family and loved ones for their sad loss RIP.”
Cook turned professional in 1982 after a successful amateur career and fought British greats in Michael Watson and Herol Graham.
He won the British and European titles in the space of a year and retired after losing to Cornelius Carr in 1994.
Cook later became a coach and was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to youth justice in Hackney.
At Buckingham Palace he received the honour directly from Queen Elizabeth II.
In later years, Cook joined Anthony Yarde’s camp before the light-heavyweight’s rematch win over Lyndon Arthur in 2021.
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