A sports journalist who penned copy for a number of regional newspapers has died from cancer at the age of 54.

Boxing enthusiast Peter Foley, who died last week, had filed reports for the Swindon Advertiser and other local and regional newspapers for more than 20 years.

His love for the sport also saw him refereeing, judging and compering the sport at amateur level.

Peter also ran the press office at the British Motorcross Grand Prix for more than a decade.

Boxing promoter and manager Keith Mayo, of KM Promotions, said: “I knew Pete for 25 years and he just loved boxing. He was an amateur referee and a judge who started out on the committee of Penhill amateur club.

“For 20 professional shows he got the programmes ready including the biographies and everything you needed to know about the show. He did a lot for me and I will miss him big time.”

Peter, of Swindon, even helped Keith prepare a programme from his hospital bed in Oxford earlier this month.

Added Keith: “His knowledge of boxing was second to none. His knowledge of amateur boxing from 1986 was like an encyclopedia.

“He was very switched on. I have had so many texts and phone calls from all over the country since he passed away, asking me when they can pay their respects. He was very well respected and well liked.”

A date for Peter’s funeral has yet to be announced.