Tyson Fury’s coach and legendary boxing mentor who helped turn him into world champion dies aged 85

THE BOXING coach who helped turn Tyson Fury into "The Facebreaker" has died.

Dave Stacey, who has died aged 85, was the first coach to teach young Fury boxing at Torbay Amateur Boxing Club, in Devon.

The veteran was credited with helping the future champion pick-up the fundamentals during long stints when he stayed with family in the South West.

It helped cement the talent that saw him nicknamed "The Facebreaker" after he shattered an opponent's jaw and eye socket as an amateur.

Mike Reardon, the club’s chairman, said Mr Stacey had been the heavyweight’s first coach.

He said: “Tyson would have taken part in group sessions for beginners where they learn the basics like stance and how to punch.

“We have a lot of boys and girls coming and going at the gym and it’s impossible to remember them all, but I think Dave always remembered Tyson because of his size. He was tall for a lad his age.”

Fury has said that after his parents separated he spent a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.

He said in an early interview: "They helped me learn how to read and write. I went swimming and surfing. The first gym I went to was in Torquay.

“My dad would hold up his hands and say “one two,” but that was all. He never said he wanted me to box or took me to the gym.

"He didn’t even know when I first started going to the gym.”

The gym where Fury trained was at a former church and Stacey was the head coach there.

Fury went on to join Jimmy Egans’s Amateur Boxing Club in Manchester and had his first amateur bout for them when he was 16 years old, in March, 2005.

There was a riot after his second amateur bout in Hinckley, Leicestershire, two months later.

Dave’s daughter Nicole led tributes, saying: "First and foremost, he was a real family man and was always very proud to tell other people that he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be a husband and father and we really felt that love.

"He was a very loyal person and would do absolutely anything for us. People would always describe him as a real character and he was unashamedly himself.

“He had the ability to talk to anyone and put them at ease.

"If there was a setback of any kind he wouldn't dwell on it, he would tell people how he felt, pick himself up and take the challenge on. I suppose that's the boxing mentality and focus."

Paying tribute, a Facebook post from Torbay Boxing Club added: "Torbay ABC are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stacey, a highly regarded coach for the club.

"RIP Dave you were a true legend."