‘One of life’s good guys’ – Tributes paid after Belfast boxer dies suddenly

Super heavyweight Frankie Carrothers previously fought for Clonard, Gleann and St John Bosco's amateur boxing clubs.

Originally from the Grosvenor Road, he was also a taxi man in the area.

One friend described the 33-year-old as "one of life's good guys; [he] always wanted to have a laugh and good things to say, was straight up and a good friend to many".

Mr Carrothers' passing has also been noted as a "sad day for west Belfast".

Pro fighter Padraig McCrory paid his own tribute to Mr Carrothers, posting photos of the pair on his social media pages with the caption: "RIP big man. Horrible news. Rest easy."

Clonard ABC added: "A sad day for the club as former boxer Frankie Carrothers has passed away this morning. Frankie was a real gentleman and will be sadly missed by everyone."

St Paul's Antrim ABC also passed on their condolences, stating: "We here at St Paul's Boxing Club Belfast are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Frankie Carrothers, a true character in Irish boxing.

"Frankie's presence, passion, and contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends."

In 2020, Mr Carrothers spent three days in intensive care and a high-dependency unit at Royal Victoria Hospital after battling Covid-19, and he had also suffered from sickness with meningitis and Bell's palsy in the past.

His fighting moniker was Frankie 'Bring Your Brothers' Carrothers. In 2020, he ended the eight-year hiatus he had taken from boxing, going on to fight in the super-heavyweight semi-final of the Ulster Elite Championships that February.