A boxing community is in mourning after the death of popular boxing writer Dick Futter, of the Evening News, Norwich.

He made his debut in the News in 1956, originally writing under the byline “Ringsider”, and contributed news, views and his own opinions for the next 44 years up until his death, aged 76.

Dick encouraged the youngsters in the boxing business to make the most of their talents and consoled losers by promising a good write-up.

Evening News deputy sports editor Milton Lindsay said: “Dick was a charismatic character, whose dedication and total enthusiasm for boxing always shone through.

“I can recall many occasions when he would be up with the lark to cheerily hand me his boxing notes, having worked into the small hours after a show the night before.

“He always saw the job as a pleasure. The Evening News was fortunate to have had such a dedicated, respected and able correspondent and friend.”

Sports editor David Thorpe said: “It wasn’t just Dick’s professionalism and expertise which stood him apart, legendary though both of these aspects were.

“His knowledge of his field, for instance, was nothing short of encyclopaedic.

“He genuinely cared for and loved both boxing and everyone in the sport.

“Whether they were world champions or juniors, top promotors or club officials made no difference to Dick. They were all part of the greater boxing family – and all were dealt with in equal measures of kindness and respect.”

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