Tributes have been paid to a promising Scottish boxer who died in Thailand after suffering a serious head injury in a road accident.
Colin Cairney, 22, from Stirling, is believed to have been found unconscious on a road outside The Nature Hotel in Phuket’s Patong district on Saturday morning.
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The Daily Record said local media reports suggested he had fallen from a tuk-tuk following a disagreement with the driver and had been on a life support machine.
His death was confirmed by his promoter and boxing clubs.
Cairney’s boxing club Team 1314 posted a tribute on social media in which it described him as “family”, while his promoter at Kynoch Boxing Scotland said he was a star who had a “massive future in the sport”.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said it was supporting the family of a British man who had died in Thailand.
‘Absolute gentleman’
His club said: “Everyone at Team 1314 is absolutely devastated by the loss of our Colin.
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“He is a huge part of Team 1314 and someone who means so much to so many people. His presence, his character, and the memories we shared with him will stay with us forever.
“Colin, you will be remembered forever and will always be in our hearts. Rest easy, Champ.”
Cairney’s promoter and management team at Kynoch Boxing Scotland said it was devasted by the news of his death.
“Colin was one of the stars of our stable,” a statement said.
“Inside the ring he brought excitement every time. Outside of the ring he was an absolute gentleman who was highly regarded by everyone.”
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Cairney had an undefeated record after 10 fights and claimed his first professional title, the WBO International Youth Championship, in Hong Kong in October.
“This was a special trip which we will always remember,” the promoter said.
“Last month he added yet another title to his resume and he had a massive future in the sport.
“We won’t forget you Colin. It was an honour to be part of your life.”
Verano Boxing Club in Hong Kong where Cairney won his first title, described him as a “gentleman warrior and amazing human being”.
“A champion in every sense of the word,” it said. “It wasn’t just the title he won that night. Colin won the hearts of everyone in Hong Kong.
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“His warmth, his kindness, his genuine love for the people around him and his infectious spirit left a mark on everyone he met. He walked into our city as a stranger and left as a brother.
“He carried the heart and courage of a true warrior, representing Team 1314 Boxing Club with immense pride. That week and that night in Hong Kong, he showed the world exactly who he was – inside and outside the ring.”
The statement added: “Colin – you came to our city as a contender and left as a champion. It was the greatest honour to have you fight under our lights. Rest easy, champion.”
Stirling High School, where Cairney was a former pupil, said: “We are deeply saddened to receive the news that former pupil Colin Cairney has passed away.
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“Colin was a much-loved member of our school community who had a promising future ahead of him. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends at this extremely difficult time.”
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