'Absolute legend': Tyson Fury and Ricky Hatton lead tributes as hundreds turn out for Havant funeral of much-loved figure

Hundreds of people have paid their respects to legendary and much-loved boxing figure Frankie Hopkins.

The funeral today took place of the renowned cutsman who guided the career of his nephew and Portsmouth’s favourite boxing son, Tony Oakey, after he died at the age of 78.

Hopkins also worked with Tyson Fury who joined Oakey, Ricky Hatton and promoter Eddie Hearn in leading the tributes to a figure known across the sport.

The man from Thorney Island worked as a car, antiques and horse trader and was a prominent figure in the travelling community before focussing on boxing.

Among the mourners at The Oaks crematorium in Havant was Southampton’s European champion Ryan Garner, along with leading players in the sport. Michael McKinson, Jamie Moore, Martin Murray and Wayne Elcock were among the champions present.

The attendance was such mourners were left outside of the crematorium, as they paid their respects with people lining both sides of the road as the funeral cortege arrived.

Oakey, who gave a moving speech in the service, explained why Hopkins was so special to him and the impact the outpouring of love towards Hopkins had on his family.

He said: ‘Frankie was more than an uncle to me and out of everyone in my boxer career he played the biggest part in him succeeding.

‘We went on a mad ride together both learning on the job, but whatever he did Frankie earned people’s respect. As a family we are so proud to see the response of the boxing world and those Frankie’s life touched.

‘He was a loved man and a massive part of my life. He’ll never be replaced - and never be forgotten.'

Hopkins was in Fury’s corner as he fought in front of 94,000 people at Wembley against Dillian Whyte, and took on Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia last year.

Fury said: ‘I’d like to say rest in peace to Frank Hopkins, my old cutsman.

‘What he didn’t know about cuts and boxing nobody knew, he’d forgotten more than what most knew about cuts.

‘He was one of the best and greatest in the game and it was a pleasure to have him as part of my team.

‘All the best Frank, god bless you and may god make you a good bed in heaven.’

Hatton voiced what a huge loss ‘absolute legend’ Hopkins will be to boxing, as he recalled his sense of humour and impact on the sport.

He said: ‘I just want to say how sad and gutted I was to hear of the passing of my old mate Frank Hopkins. What a guy.

‘We were friends together over the years and, with Tony Oakey, Frank would come to my local pub after all my fights and was there to support me, my family and friends.

‘They don’t make characters like Frank now. He was a fantastic cutsman, but more importantly a brilliant boxing person.

‘He was a funny guy. I thought I was funny but Frank was hilarious! I had so many good times with him and Tony.

‘Frank was an important part of the British boxing family - he was an absolute gentleman and absolute legend. He’ll be sadly missed.’

Hopkins is survived by wife Val, six children and 33 grandchildren.