A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a boxer father, 52, and 25-year-old son who died just weeks apart – with memories of a fight with Hollywood star Tom Hardy.

A heartbroken family has paid tribute to the boxer and his 25-year-old son, who died within weeks of each other.

Tony Rowbotham, from Hartlepool, died suddenly on August 9, aged 52.

Her family have been dealt a devastating blow as they mourn the tragic loss of her son Liam, who died on July 13.

Both men were well known in boxing circles in their home town and Middlesbrough. As a mason and builder, Tony was very enthusiastic about his work.

His loved ones said he was a family man and always encouraged his six children to be the best they could be.

The circumstances of both deaths are under investigation. An investigation has been launched into Liam’s case, and the family expects the same to happen to Tony.

“When Liam died we couldn’t pick up Tony,” said family member Kirsty. He taught Liam everything, taught boxing and building. He was bad with it, we all still are.

The tributes have been pouring in, many people from Tony’s former boxing circles.

“Everyone thought he was invincible,” Kirsty said. – We all did, and that’s why we can’t believe what happened. Tony had a lot of friends. He would do anything for anyone. He was a real family man. For him, everything revolved around us.

Tony made over 70 appearances as a youngster, including five professional caps, after being taken under the wing of top Hartlepool coach Peter Cope. He joined the Boys Welfare team sponsored by Gus Robinson.

He had his last professional fight when he was 27, but continued to train. All three of his sons followed in his footsteps.

“Tony didn’t have the best upbringing but Peter Cope took him under his wing,” Kirsty said. He described Toni as a friend and a son and a determined fighter. He even invited one of his children after Tony.

– We have received a lot of messages and everyone says he was a legend. Like us, they all considered him untouchable.

Tony later took up Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. He was a long-time member of the Gracie Barra gyms in Sotherby Road, Middlesbrough, and Cromwell Street, Hartlepool, now known as Seven Jui Jitsu.

He even sparred in training with Hollywood star Tom Hardy, who is a fan of the sport, joking to his family afterwards that he was the better fighter “and better looking”.

Kirsty said: “He loved Jui Jitsu. It was something new, he used to say it made him feel reborn.

His family said Tony’s motto was “no white flags” and he relished the new challenge. After only one year of practicing martial arts, he received his blue belt – the second adult rank in Martial Arts

“He put his all into everything he did,” said Kirsty. This included his recovery from major surgery in 2023 after being diagnosed with a rare blood disorder.

Tony’s body produced too many blood cells, causing his blood to thicken and clog several veins. It can increase the risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke.

Kirsty explained that Tony’s body had reacted to the condition by growing a new vein in his leg, potentially saving his life. “The doctors were amazed – the surgeon called him ‘hulk,'” he said.

He spent 11 hours on the operating table at James Cook University Hospital, but after six weeks he was back on his feet and returned to Jui Jitsu three months later. “He’s got a scar on his stomach from the operation, but he still got his six-pack back,” Kirsty said.

Tony was father to Liam, Emily, 22, Henry, 20, George, 16, Daisy, 12, and Nancy, 9.

Emily remembered her father’s competitive edge, always determined to succeed in whatever he set his mind to.

“When we practiced the dance, he did all the handstands and crabs with us – but tried to do it better,” she said.

Sharing fonder memories, Kirsty recalled how Tony loved music and would match the songs of his choice to the mood of the house.

“When he got his blue belt, he played the song ‘Blue.’ And if the kids ever fight, he played the Rocky theme song,” he said.

Emily remembered that Tony had Nicknames for all of them, even the dog. She said she always encouraged them to get outside and stay fit.

She and Henry recalled how their father would take all the children to the beach “when it was dark and freezing.”

“She made us fearless,” said Henry, 20. Kirsty agreed, saying: “She was so determined, that was her mindset.

– He always used to tell the kids that anything is possible, you just have to make it happen. “No white flags” – that’s what he always used to say.

Liam was a much loved brother and son and the family are also left trying to come to terms with his death at such a young age. The 25-year-old attended Sacred Heart and English Martyrs schools and trained at the Elite Boxing Academy in Hartlepool.

He also had his own company, LGR Pointing, which his younger brother George took over after completing his apprenticeship. There were dozens of tributes from family members and friends on social media.

Hartlepool’s mental health charity, which supported Liam – Lily-Anne’s Wellbeing – said Liam was “always a brilliant light in the room” and “always smiling”. The team added: “We will miss you, that cheeky smile and amazing banter.”

Kirsty thanked people for the support they have received as they grieve the loss of Tony and Liam.

Tony’s funeral will be held at St Joseph’s Church, Hutton Avenue, Hartlepool, on September 20 at 1pm and the family said anyone who knew him is welcome to attend.