FORMER Irish heavyweight boxing champion Gerald (Paddy) Slavin has died at the age of 77.
He was born in Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, but the family came to England in 1937, when he was eight, and lived on Longwood Gate, Longwood.
Paddy was a member of Huddersfield Sea Cadets. During the Second World War he was a seaman gunner on the battle cruiser Nelson.
It was while in the Navy that Paddy discovered his talent for boxing.
By the time he was demobbed he was the Navy's heavyweight champion.
When he decided to make boxing his career, Paddy moved to Belfast.
He joined Frank McAloran's gym on professional terms.
After beating Gerry McDermott for the Irish title in 1948 Paddy was ranked No 8 in Europe.
He was known for his dogged determination, his heavy punching and the fact that he never admitted defeat, Paddy retired in 1960 unbeaten.
He fought some of the best fighters of his day, including Don Cockell, Ansell Adams, Joe Bygraves and Don Mogard.
A longtime friend, Gerry Hassett, said: "He was a gentle giant and a greatly under-rated fighter."
His brother, Terry, of Marsh, said: "He often visited Huddersfield and when we went out together it wasn't unusual for Paddy to be challenged after people realised who he was."
Paddy Slavin died in hospital on October 28 after a short illness.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret.
