James Cook was universally adored in boxing – his pursuit of the impossible dream will endure

The small-circuit boxer was a fierce fight, and later done wonders helping young people into the ring and away from crime in his home of Hackney - (Popperfoto/Getty)

James Cook was known and respected as one of the nicest men in the boxing business on both sides of the ropes.

His death last Saturday was greeted with a rare and sincere outpouring of heartfelt messages, genuine love and sorrow. In the modern business of boxing, it is impossible to find anybody with a bad word to say about Cook – he was universally adored.