Amir Khan’s former trainer Oliver Harrison dies aged 58 after cancer battle as tributes flood in from the boxing world

FRANK WARREN and Tony Bellew led tributes to late Oliver Harrison, the former trainer of Amir Khan who died aged 58 after a cancer battle.

The pair split up following the Bolton fighter's WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title victory over Martin Kristjansen in 2008.

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Harrison had led Khan, 32, in all of his previous 17 professional contests before the break-up.

The pair reportedly parted ways amid the trainer's concerns over the Bolton man's public engagements, interfering with his fight preparations.

The Manchester-based coach also looked after Khan brother's Haroon as well as other Brits Rocky Fielding, Jamie Moore and Martin Murray.

He guided Murray in four middleweight title bouts and helped Moore claim British, Commonwealth and European titles.

Harrison had also led Fielding to his rise in the super-middleweight ranks before the Liverpool hero had to switch trainers because of the coach's worsening condition last year.

'GREAT TRAINER, GREAT PERSON'

Tributes flooded in from the boxing world following the sad news.

Haroon Khan tweeted: "Devastated to read the news about Oliver Harrison my 1st pro-boxing coach gave me so much advice whilst we worked together in the many years of knowing him a true gentleman.

"Thoughts are with his family."

British star Anthony Crolla said: "Rest In Peace Oliver Harrison. A man I’ve know since way back in the amateurs.

"Great trainer and great person. Thoughts as with all his family and friends."

While Tyson Fury's promoter Frank Warren wrote: "I am very saddened to hear that Oliver Harrison has passed away.

"He was one of the decent guys in boxing as well as being a top trainer.

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"Our sincere condolences go to his family and the thoughts of everyone at Queensberry are with them in these sad times."

And former WBC cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew said: ";Gutted to hear the news of Oliver Harrison’s passing! A nice man who done a lot for his community!

"Thoughts are with his family and friends..."