Champion boxer and legendary photographer Hugh Russell has died following a short illness.
An award-winning photographer with The Irish News for more than 40 years, tributes have described him as an "absolute gentleman".
The Commonwealth and Olympic medallist (63), known as 'Little Red', passed away during the early hours of today.
Figures from the world of boxing, journalism and politics have been among those to pay tribute to Hugh, who was regarded as a "wonderful human being".
A successful boxer, Hugh won bronze medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton and the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, both in the flyweight division.
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Also a British Bantamweight and Flyweight champion and Lonsdale belt-holder, Hugh was a tireless worker for his sport since he retired from boxing in 1985, representing Northern Ireland on the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).
Hugh went on to forge an award-winning career as a press photographer at The Irish News.
Among his best-known photographs was one of Gerry Conlon of the Guildford Four celebrating with supporters after walking free from prison in 1989 following the quashing of his wrongful conviction as an IRA bomber.
He was also at the forefront of news reporting, capturing images across decades of the Troubles, peace process and politics in Northern Ireland.
His death has left his friends and colleagues shocked and saddened.
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In a statement today The Irish News said: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our much-loved colleague Hugh Russell this morning after a short illness.
Hugh Russell in a 1983 RTÉ video
"Hugh, a Commonwealth and Olympic medallist, and an award-winning photographer, was the heartbeat of boxing in Belfast and a much loved colleague with The Irish News for 40 years.
"We extend our deepest condolences to Hugh’s wife Kathy, his children Hugh Junior, Hayley, James & Calum, and his entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."
'A man loved by all'
Irish News editor Noel Doran said he was man loved by everyone.
“Hugh Russell was an outstanding photographer and a magnificent boxer but for his Irish News colleagues he was most of all a great friend and a wonderful colleague.
Hugh Russell talks about his boxing and Irish News career
“It's fair to say that Hugh was loved by everyone he worked with during his forty-year career at the paper, and he was equally revered by our readers and all those who had the privilege of dealing with him professionally and personally.
“I'm devastated by his loss and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at The Irish News are with his wife Kathy and his family. Our champion has fought his final round.”
Fellow Irish News photographer Mal McCann said on social media that he is "absolutely devastated that my friend, colleague and champion Hugh Russell has passed away".
"Things won't be the same without you," he added.
"Rest in peace Champ."
The Northern Ireland Press Photographers Association (NIPPA) also expressed their "sincere condolences" to Hugh's family.
"Our colleague and friend Hugh was a great photographer and stalwart for the association," a spokesman said.
The 'heartbeat of boxing'
Regarded as the "heartbeat of boxing", former fighter Carl Frampton has also been among those to pay tribute.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Frampton said Hugh "always had the fighters’ best interest at heart" adding that he was "one of the nicest men you could meet".
I've just heard the sad news that Hugh Russell passed away. As a BBBoC member and an ex boxer, he always had the fighters’ best interest at heart. One of the nicest men you could meet. RIP Hughie pic.twitter.com/WN6QEthTRl
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) October 13, 2023
Boxing promoter Frank Warren wrote on social media: "A former Olympic medalist and British champion, Hugh will be a greatly missed figure in our sport, and above all else was a thoroughly nice man and a great ambassador for boxing in Northern Ireland".
My thoughts and everyone at Queensberry are with the family and friends of Hugh Russell.
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) October 13, 2023
A former Olympic medalist and British champion Hugh will be a greatly missed figure in our sport, and above all else was a thoroughly nice man and a great ambassador for boxing in Northern… pic.twitter.com/SOV2POlDIN
The Co Antrim Boxing Board described Hugh as a “legend of the sport” and recalled the start of his career at Holy Family Golden Gloves in Belfast, claiming “innumerable Antrim, Ulster and Irish titles as he rose to senior Elite”.
The board added that as chief official in the BBBC he oversaw "many big fight nights in Belfast" and in 2019 was inducted into the Belfast City Council sporting hall of fame.
“Hugh will be fondly remembered by all in the sport in Ireland and will be sadly missed" the board added.
Fellow Olympian Barry McGuigan, who was part of the Irish boxing team that traveled to Moscow in 1980, said he was "shocked and saddened" to hear of his former teammate's passing.
"We travelled the world together as amateurs and shared the same stable as pros," he said.
Niall O'Carroll, chair of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) board of directors, said: "My first two memories of boxing as a kid were Ali fighting Larry Holmes and Hugh winning his bronze medal. Especially the Russian announcer pronouncing his name.
"Hugh was the man who started the modern success of Irish Olympic boxing.
"His passing is very sad news - IABA extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Boxing Tickets NI said in a post on social media: "Our thoughts are with the family of Hugh Russell, who has sadly passed away this morning.
"'Little Red' was the heartbeat of boxing Commonwealth & Olympic medallist, and British champion in 2 weights as a professional.
"Larger than life and an absolute gentleman, R.I.P Hugh".
Broadcaster Bob Huggins also wrote in a social media post: “Shocking news that former boxer and Irish News photographer Hugh Russell has passed away after a short illness.
“Super, helpful man who enjoyed a bit of craic.
“A popular friend to all on the journalistic circuit. Taken way to soon.”
Belfast Telegraph visual’s editor Kevin Scott said he was "devastated at the passing of the legend, Hugh Russell".
"I have never met a kinder person than Hugh," he wrote.
"Always a smile, a laugh and a punchy opening line when you met.
"My thoughts today are with his family and Irish News colleagues, who I know cherished him so dearly."
Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of Hugh’s death.
“Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting Hugh at many events and press conferences and he always carried out his work with good wit, humour and a smile," she said.
“He was an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to get to know."
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he was deeply saddened to hear of the 63-year-old's passing.
"At so many major moments in NI's recent history, he was at the front with his camera," he posted on social media.
"Always smiling and always kind. Our sincere condolences to the Russell family and Hugh's colleagues at the Irish News. A gentleman."
Belfast lord mayor Ryan Murphy also said paid tribute to Hugh, describing him as "a great boxer, a fantastic boxing ambassador for Belfast, an amazing photographer for the Irish News and most importantly a brilliant person".
“Hugh will be deeply missed by all.”
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said Hugh was "a warm, friendly person with a genuine interest in the lives of other people".
