Tragic teen boxer, 16, killed in a car crash is taken to his funeral in a trailer shaped like a boxing ring

A TEEN boxer, 16, who was killed in a car crash was taken to his funeral in a trailer shaped like a boxing ring.

Jesse "Rubber" Johnson died last month after the Vauxhall Corsa he was travelling in with three other teens ploughed into a wall.

His funeral procession stopped traffic in Cheltenham, Gloucester, yesterday as crowds gathered to watch the boxing ring shaped trailer carrying his silver coffin.

Floral tributes in the style of boxing gloves and dumbbells were piled up on two pickup trucks, which drove to a crematorium after the service at St Paul's church on Friday.

Dad Ricky Johnson said his son, who dreamed of becoming a professional boxer, was a "good boy" who loved nothing more than being at home with his mum, Julie.

Ricky said: "He was a good boy and he died a good boy.

"His mother loved him and I loved him.

"We had 16 brilliant years with him and he was never happier than when he was at home with his mother.

"We had 16 wonderful, happy years with him.

"We have lost a young saint.

"Learn from him and dedicate yourself to what you are doing and be happy doing it."

Throughout the service, Jesse was referred to by his nickname, Rubber, and as the coffin entered the church, 1960s pop hit Rubber Ball by Bobby Vee was played.

Boxing coach Pat Lewis said: "He had that smile.

"It lit the place up and the gym has been a very dull place without him over the last few weeks.

"All of us have felt it."

The crash happened in the village of Charlton Kings, near Cheltenham at 11.45pm on October 6.

Jesse died of his injuries in John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and the two other teens in the car, a 15-year-old and 16-year-old were taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

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