Adam Smith on Nicky Booth: "Nicky's character, his charisma, his personality, he was a real nugget on the scene." The Nottingham boxer claimed British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles during his career
Thursday 14 January 2021 12:30, UK
Former British champion Nicky Booth has received tributes from the boxing world after he passed away at the age of 40.
Booth and his brother Jason both achieved title success in the sport, with Nicky going on to claim British and Commonwealth bantamweight belts during his 23-fight career.
But Nicky endured troubles outside the ring, battling with drug addiction, and would have his final fight as a 23-year-old in 2003.
Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said "I was really fond of the Booth brothers, Jason and Nicky, I knew them well. They lit up the sport, back in the early days of Sky.
"Nicky's character, his charisma, his personality, he was a real nugget on the scene. They both were. Jason was quieter, but they came as a pair. Unfortunately, Nicky got into difficulties outside of the ring, and it's a very sad story.
"I remember Nicky's win over Stephen Oates in a cracker at the Harvey Hadden. He was in great fights, he was thrill a minute. They tried so hard with Nicky, to get him back into the gym, but it was a fight they couldn't win.
"It's terrible news and my thoughts are with the family."
