Tributes paid to young Magherafelt boxer Thomas Waites who died suddenly

Thomas Waites, who was 21-years-old won championship titles for Antrim and Ulster during his career in the ring.

Head coach at Belfast Holy Trinity club, Michael Hawkins snr said that the club had been left devastated by the news.

“Thomas joined us about three years ago and he was a very talented boxer. He was just a really pleasant lad who came from a lovely family. He was so happy and just a really good lad,” said Mr Hawkins.

“It was quite a journey for them to come up and down from Magherafelt but that’s how eager they were to improve and to succeed.

“Many of the guys who were around his age have really taken it bad. They were all good friends, as they travelled to competitions together, and they saw a lot of each other. It’s very sad.”

Coalisland boxer middleweight Conrad Cummings: “Sad to hear of another young death, an old club mate Thomas Waites. Deepest condolences to his family, gone far too young.”