Tributes poured in for 'beloved' Sheffield boxer who dies suddenly aged 35

Tributes have poured in for a popular boxer who died earlier this week. Father-of-four Luke Smedley, 35, from Sheffield died three days ago on Tuesday (November 21). No cause of death has been announced.

Friends and relatives have already gathered to mark his passing by illuminating the skies above Nodder Road, Woodthorpe with fireworks and balloons. His father Chris, a well-known boxing trainer in Sheffield, said he was devastated, describing Luke as a "great lad, loved a laugh and was always doing pranks on anyone."

In a formal tribute, Chris said Luke "was a fantastic dad, brother and son. He lived for boxing and has made many friends in boxing, some becoming more like family." He also said Luke was the "beloved son of Chris and Halema, brother to Nicki and Kya."

He added: "Luke leaves his loving wife Becki, son Little Luke aged 15 and daughters Nevaeh aged 11 and Alani aged seven and his oldest child Tia Louise Smedley, who is 18. Luke’s boxing career saw him complete 58 bouts with 49 wins. He represented Steel City Boxing Club followed by Retford ABC where he became Midlands champion and Junior ABA finalist in 2004 losing 4-2 to Liam 'Beefy' Smith ( who went on to become a super welterweight champion.) Little Luke is proudly following in his dad’s footsteps through boxing. Luke was a very popular lad who will be missed dearly."

A fund raiser has been set up by Nicki, who posted: "This is his family who are not asking for a lot just what you can afford. It will be helping his three babies - two little girls and his son - towards giving him the best send-off as possible.

"He was loved by thousands of people and I know he will be hating us for setting this page up but with you the loving people it will help so much and we do appreciate anything you can put towards his send off."

Chris said the family was still waiting for the cause of death for Luke, who had moved from Sheffield to Ingoldmells, in Lincolnshire. Luke was told he would never box again following a horrific machete attack at the High Noon pub in Woodthorpe, in 2016. His left arm was badly damaged and the attacker's blade narrowly missed his brother Nicki's face.

Many people in Sheffield's boxing community have expressed their condolences on social media to family of the fighter who started off his amateur career at the Ingle gym in Wincobank. Chris Dutton mirrored the thoughts of others when he said: "I can't believe what I’ve just heard."

Hassan Karim recalled: "Luke would always have my back if I ever got into trouble. Thank you for being a massive part of my life." Chelsea Smith added: "RIP Luke you legend. Thank you for helping me fall in love with boxing. Thank you for always being there as a coach and always having my back. Thank you for treating me like family and all the memories we all made with your beautiful family."

Jamie Sampson said he would "never forget the good times we had down at the gym RIP Luke." Sonny Boy Price concluded: "RIP to my good friend Luke Smedley, you don’t know what’s around the corner thank God for every day you wake."

The Woodhouse Boxing club is dedicating its amateur show on February 16 at Olive Grove sports grounds to Luke, saying Little Luke would be in the ring wearing the vest his dad had on when he became Midland Champion in 2004.