Tributes to 'much-loved' former Coventry boxer and pub landlord Tony Riley

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Tributes to 'much-loved' former Coventry boxer and pub landlord Tony Riley

Postby dutchman » Mon Jun 13, 2022 6:32 pm

Anthony John Riley, known more widely as Tony, passed away peacefully in hospital, aged 78

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Tributes have been paid following the sad passing of former Coventry boxer and pub landlord Tony Riley. Anthony John Riley, known more widely as Tony, passed away peacefully at University Hospital Coventry on Saturday evening with his family at his bedside.

Tony, aged 78, had been admitted to hospital after sustaining a fall. Close friend Lorraine Lawson said: "He was much-loved and a very well-known figure throughout Coventry and Warwickshire. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends."

Born and raised in Stoke Aldermoor, Tony was an outstanding boxer whose quest to become British Lightweight champion was halted only by the brilliance of Jim Watt who went on to win and successfully defend a world title no fewer than five times.

Tony took up boxing at a very young age, joining Rootes Amateur Boxing Club just across the street from where he lived. He quickly rose to fame becoming Junior National ABA Champion in 1958 and five years later he became Senior National ABA Champion representing England in the process.

He turned professional in 1963 and boxed in the paid ranks for nine years - much of his career chronicled by former Coventry Telegraph sports reporter Neville Faulkner. He had 28 fights with the near miss against Watts undoubtedly his boxing pinnacle.

"It was no disgrace for Tony to fail against such a formidable opponent," Graham Miles, Tony's brother-in-law said.

"He retired from the sport in 1972, but continued to train up-and-coming young Coventry boxers, including the famous Errol Christie. He was a well-known character around the pubs and clubs in the city centre during the seventies and eighties when he played a significant role in providing security services."

This career shift led Tony into the publican trade and together with his wife Jan they ran five pubs, three of which were in Coventry - The Millpool, The Vauxhall Tavern and The New Star. He hit the headlines for non-sporting reasons in 1999 when he won £1 million on the National Lottery, 'generously sharing his success with friends and family', Graham added.

Jan, Tony's wife of 56 years, sadly passed away last year. He is survived by son Dean, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

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