Belfast-born champion boxer Desmond 'Des' Rea passed away at the age of 72 on July 21, 2016.
The former boxer had a record of 28 wins, 36 defeats and five draws during his career.
Des Rea didn't stop there, with a life story that is eventful to the full, here are five things you might not know about the fighter:
1. He ran into the notorious Kray Twins during his career
Rea turned professional in 1964 but East London gangsters, the Krays Twins predicted a bright future for the Belfast-born brawler.
He told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in 2000 about his relationship with the Krays, who had Irish blood.
He explained: “I didn’t know who they were but they were all dressed up and I thought they had to be gentlemen.
“They predicted they would get me a British title fight, a European title fight and a world title eliminator.
“The Krays predicted I would get those fights when I met them and I did. They sent me a telegram before the Napoles and Arcari fights. I am sure they were behind me but whether they managed me I will never know.”
2. He got around the UK
He was born in the North of Ireland, yes, but Des Rea grew up in Liverpool and fought out of Cardiff. A true British boxing warrior.
3. Irish connections
The fighter had quite an illustrious career in terms of belts won including winning the Irish title in 1970 and retired four years later.
4. Caught in a trap
During one of his fights in America, Rea hit the headlines when Elvis Presley turned up in the crowd. As a result, the fans started paying more attention to Elvis instead of Rea and the fight. To get the attention back on him Rea began to shout and imitate Elvis Presley until the audience noticed him.
5. Belt up
The highly sought after Lonsdale belt was awarded to Des Rea in 1968, the first in his weight class, after he defeated Vic Andreetti in 1968. The belt is awarded to British boxing champions.
