A Collyhurst born amateur boxer famous for putting the city’s boxers on the map and for his work in the local community.
Brian Hughes was born and raised in Collyhurst.
Hughes was a keen amateur boxer, who founded the Collyhurst Lads Club in 1964.
Within two years of opening, the club had won the first of over 30 National Schoolboy titles, National Junior ABA titles, England Schoolboy Internationals, Junior England Internationals, Senior champions and internationals.
He was once dubbed ‘the Pied Piper of Collyhurst’ for the positive impact he had on the young people in the area.
He was also described as ‘the Godfather of Manchester boxing’ before he finally hung up his gloves in 2011.
In the early 1970’s the Collyhurst Lads Club was demolished and the club moved to its present premises in Moston.
Hughes achieved even greater success by the end of his 50-year association with boxing, producing several British, European and World boxing champions, including Robin Reid, Michael Gomez and Anthony Farnell.
Tributes have been flooding in
“Frank Warren and everyone at Queensberry are saddened to hear of the passing of dear friend Brian Hughes. Between us we made many champions, Manchester legends and shared many good times along the journey that goes back many decades.”
“Thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Brian Hughes. Massive influence on the fight game in Manchester & beyond. Helped mould many champions and even more good, decent people.”
