HE was the Southampton boxer at the centre of one of the most extraordinary sporting incidents when his opponent’s mum climbed into the ring and attacked him with her shoe.

Tributes have poured in for Steve McCarthy, the Southampton-based former British champion, who has died, aged 54.

The famous fight against Tony Wilson in 1989 at Southampton Guildhall has gone down in boxing legend.

He knocked Wilson down when a woman who turned out to be Wilson’s mother attacked Mr McCarthy with a shoe, making headlines around the world.

The incident resulted in the fight ending as a technical knockout in favour of Wilson, because Mr McCarthy, cut by the shoe, refused to return to the ring. A riot ensued.

Mr McCarthy was light heavyweight British champion, who fought between 1987 and 1994. His career saw him fight two future world champions – Germany’s Henry Maske and Poland’s Dariusz Michalczewski.

The pinnacle of his eight-year career as a professional was winning the British title against Serg Fame on a points decision in 1990.

He ended his career on a winning note, when he beat Karl Barwise on points in 1994. His record was 12 wins, five by way of knockout, four defeats and one draw.

His brother, Mick McCarthy, posted on Facebook on Saturday: “My dear brother Steve, sadly passed away last night, one of the funniest and most loveable characters you could ever wish to meet.

“I was honoured to be your brother and will never forget you champ! The light heavyweight British boxing champion our Steve.xxx.”

Also paying tribute was trainer Wayne Batten, who is hoping that current Southampton boxer Joe Pigford can emulate the successes of Mr McCarthy.

Mr Batten was one of those who watched in 1989 when Tony Wilson’s mother attacked Mr McCarthy.

He said: “My first memories of him are when I used to go down Jack Bishop’s gym when I was 16 or 17. I did a bit of training myself and I know Steve and watched him at Southampton Guildhall against Wilson. I was shocked by what happened.

“I remember watching him at the gym. His natural talent was excellent really and to become British champion is a massive achievement.

“The dealings I had with him, he was always respectful and gave a good bit of advice.

“He was an inspiration to me for me moving to Southampton at the age of 15 he was at that British title level and as an amateur he inspired me.

“I remember in 2000 I was running an amateur club. He used to come down and pass on advice to the boxers, and it is great someone of that standing came in to do that.”