Heartbroken family pays tribute to boxing father, 52, and 25-year-old son who died within just weeks of each other - with memories of grappling with Hollywood star Tom Hardy

A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a boxer and his 25-year-old son who died within just weeks of each other.  

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

The devastating blow for his family came as they grieved the tragic loss of his son Liam, who died on July 13.

Both men were known in boxing circles in their home town and in Middlesbrough. A bricklayer and builder, Tony was hugely enthusiastic about his job. 

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

The circumstances surrounding both deaths are being investigated. An inquest has been opened in Liams case and the family expect the same to take place for Tony.

When Liam died we couldnt pick Tony up, said family member Kirsty. He taught Liam everything, taught him how to box, how to build. He was bad with it, we all still are.

Tony Rowbotham, 52, and his 25-year-old son Liam both died within the space of a few weeks

Tonys loved ones said he was a family man always encouraging his six children to be the best they could be 

Tributes have poured in, many from people within Tonys former boxing circles. 

Everyone thought he was invincible, said Kirsty. We all did and thats why we cant believe whats happened. Tony had lots of friends. He would do anything for anyone. He was a real family man. Everything revolved around us for him.

Tony had more than 70 fights as a young man, including five professional matches, 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 carried on training. All three of his sons followed in his footsteps.

Tony didnt have the best upbringing but Peter Cope took him under his wing, said Kirsty. He described Tony as a friend and a son and a determined fighter. He even called one of his children after Tony.

Weve had lots of messages and they all say he was a legend. Like us, they all thought he was untouchable.

Tony later took up Brazilian jui jitsu. He was a longstanding member of the Gracie Barra gyms on Sotherby Road in Middlesbrough and Hartlepools Cromwell Street, now run as Seven Jui Jitsu.

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

Kirsty said: He loved jui jitsu. It was something fresh, he used to say it made him feel like he was reborn.

Liam was a much-loved brother and son and the family have also been left trying to make sense of his death 

Tony was the father of Liam, Emily, 22, Henry, 20, George, 16, Daisy 12 and nine-year-old Nancy

His family said Tonys motto was no white flags and he relished in a fresh challenge. After only a year of training in the martial arts discipline he gained his blue belt - the second adult rank in the martial arts discipline

He put everything into everything he did, said Kirsty. This included his recovery from a major operation in 2023 after a diagnosis of a rare blood disease.

Tonys body made too many blood cells, causing his blood to thicken and several veins to block. It can increase the risk of blood clots and complications such as a heart attack and stroke.

Kirsty explained that Tonys body had reacted to the condition with the growth of a new vein in his leg which potentially saved his life. The doctors were amazed - the surgeon called him the hulk, she said. 

He spent 11 hours on the operating table at James Cook University Hospital but within six weeks was back on his feet, returning to jui jitsu three months later. He has a scar on his stomach from the surgery but he still got his six-pack back, said Kirsty.

Tony was the father of Liam, Emily, 22, Henry, 20, George, 16, Daisy 12 and nine-year-old Nancy.   

Emily remembered the competitive edge of her father, who was always determined to succeed in whatever he put his mind to. 

When we used to practice dancing he would be doing all the hand stands and crabs with us - but trying to do it better, she said. 

Sharing more beloved memories, Kirsty remembered how Tony loved music and would match his choice of tunes to suit the mood in the house. 

When he got his blue belt he played the song Blue. And if the kids were ever fighting he would blast the Rocky theme tune, she said. 

Tony had more than 70 fights as a young man, including five professional matches, after being taken under the wing of top Hartlepool coach Peter Cope

Emily remembered Tony had nicknames for them all, even the dog. She said he was always encouraging them to get outdoors and keep fit. 

She and Henry recalled how their father would take all the kids down to the beach, when it was pitch black and freezing.

He made us fearless, said Henry, 20. Kirsty agreed, saying: He was so determined, it was his way of thinking.

He always used to say to the kids that anything is possible, youve just got to make it happen. No white flags - thats what he always used to say.

Liam was a much-loved brother and son and the family have also been left trying to make sense of his death at such a young age. The 25-year-old went to 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 will take over after completing an apprenticeship. Scores of tributes were paid on social media from family members and friends.

A Hartlepool mental health charity which supported Liam - Lily-Annes Wellbeing - said Liam was always the shining light in the room and always smiling. The team added: Were going to miss you, that cheeky smile and amazing banter.

Kirsty thanked for people for the support they have received while grieving the loss of Tony and Liam. 

Tonys funeral is being held at St Josephs Church on Hutton Avenue in Hartlepool on September 20 at 1pm and the family said all those who knew him are welcome to attend.