NORTH-EAST boxing is mourning the loss of one of its most popular and transformative figures following the death of trainer Ronnie Rowe at the age of 62.

Rowe was one of the driving forces behind the growth of Birtley Boxing Club, helping develop the amateur set-up into one of the most successful breeding grounds in the country.

He switched to the professional arm of the sport when two of his protegees, Jon-Lewis and Travis Dickinson, began their ascent through the paid ranks, guiding Jon-Lewis to the British Cruiserweight title and tutoring the North-Easterner as he won the Lonsdale belt outright.

He also helped shape the careers of a string of local boxers such as Craig Dixon, Andrew Buchanan, Kyle Redfearn, Darren Reay and Mark White under the umbrella of Fighting Chance Promotions.

“The world has lost an absolute legend, a proper boxing man,” said Jon-Lewis Dickinson, who also claimed a Prizefighter title on Rowe’s watch. “But most importantly, also a great friend, the place won’t be the same without you.

“We had some great times over the years, training, fighting, visiting places, and everywhere we went, we always had a good laugh. I must have heard all your jokes at least a hundred times, but they still made me laugh every time.

“We had plenty of good nights in boxing, winning fights, but we also had some bad nights when things didn’t go to plan, but we were always a team who stuck together no matter what.”

Rowe was a full-time firefighter when he began his work at Birtley, and was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2012 for his services to young people, boxing and the community.

His influence on the North-East fight scene was recognised last February when he was awarded the Maurice Cullen Memorial Trophy by boxing’s Northern Area Council.

Speaking after receiving the award, Rowe said: “I’ve had a great time in the sport and when I sit and look back at it all, it’s been a fantastic journey. It’s a lovely award to receive as well and I’ve had a lovely time over the years, not just with Jon but with Gary, Travis, Tony Davies, all of them.

“There’s too many that I couldn’t really mention them all and, when you see what they’ve achieved in boxing, it’s brilliant, but you look at the other lads as well and I can see that they’ve all become fine young men.”

Jon-Lewis Dickinson’s British title was the highlight of his training career, with the cruiserweight seeing off Shane McPhilbin to rule the domestic roost in 2012. He won the Lonsdale Belt outright two years later after a victory over Neil Dawson.

“When Jon won the British then claimed the Lonsdale outright, it was a fantastic achievement,” added Rowe. “For me though, even going back to 1996 when Andy McLean won the bronze at the Commonwealth Games, and Tony Davies winning the ABA titles, even our Gary (Barr) was a fantastic boxer, then we’ve had something special in there.”

Barr has worked alongside Rowe in the last few years and has pledged to continue his former mentor’s work.

“I’ve known Ronnie since we were both kids fighting in the amateurs,” said Glenn McCrory, the North-East’s first World champion.

“He was a true gentleman of our sport, dedicated and very capable. Countless boxers owe him their careers – the sport is worse off for his passing.”