A heavyweight boxer who once beat John Fury has passed away at the age of 69.

Neil Malpass, who won the Central Area Heavyweight title when he defeated Fury, father of Tyson Fury, on points in a 10-round contest back in 1989, fought 48 times over the course of his professional career, which spanned from 1977 to 1990. He was one of just four men to have beaten Fury, and the only man who faced the now 59-year-old in a title bout.

Tributes have been pouring in for the Yorkshireman on social media since news of his death broke on Thursday, with Doncaster Martial Arts Centre (DMAC), where Malpass worked as a boxing trainer and coach, leading them. "It's such sad news that Neil Malpass, a close friend and trainer at the gym passed away last night," a spokesperson for the gym said.

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"He has coached so many over the years and was a true legend of the sport. He has been with DMAC since the beginning and coached hundreds over the years on these mats.

"He has been an amazing coach and mentor for the younger generation and will be truly missed. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Neil."

Another tribute branded the former fighter "as tough as teak". "Sad to read of the death of heavyweight contender Neil Malpass at the age of 69," it read. "The tough as teak Yorkshireman shared the ring with the likes of Alfredo Evangelista, Billy Aird, Danny McAlinden, John Fury and Paul Sykes... RIP."

Responding, a third user wrote: "Sad news indeed - a great fighter." A fourth described him as "one in a million" and added: "RIP the most amazing bloke. Learnt me everything I know and made me the person I am today. You will be missed so much."

The 6ft 4in fighter was beaten in his very first professional fight, but then strung 10 consecutive wins together, fighting at venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the Wembley Empire Pool (now the Wembley Arena). He won the vacant Central Area Heavyweight championship by beating Peter Freeman in 1978, and retained it against Paul Skyes that same year.

Over the course of his 13-year in-ring career, Malpass clinched 28 wins, 18 of which were via knockout, and suffered 19 defeats. According to Doncaster Martial Arts Centre, Malpass is in the Guinness Book of Records as the only competitor to have knocked an opponent "clean over" the top rope of a boxing ring.