Brave Lee Noble passes away aged 33

Brave Lee Noble dead at 33

Eddie Hearn, Ryan Rhodes, Kevin Mitchell and many others paid tribute to the late Lee Noble, who sadly passed away aged 33.

After a brave battle with cancer, he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning, March 21, with his family and friends by his side in Sheffield.

Family friend Brendan O'Connor shared details of his death, revealing that Lee had an infection, but was weakened by the leukaemia.

Promoter Eddie Hearn led the tributes with, "Very saddened to hear of the passing of Lee Noble. Lee fought his illness so bravely for many years and my thoughts and everyone at Matchroom are with him and his family. At peace now."

Boxing News Magazine stated, "We are deeply saddened to learn of Lee Noble's death. For many years, Lee fought his illness courageously. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Sleep tight, champ."

Former British and European champ Rhodes posted an image of Lee in the ring with the words "RIP Lee".

World title contender Kevin Mitchell, who used to visit Lee in hospital, said, "It's gutting. I just found out this morning. I thought he was going to beat it as well. I knew him really well. When he was having a lot of treatment in London, me and my brother used to meet up with him. Rest in peace Lee".

Ellie Scotney was elated to win her second pro fight last night on the undercard of Okolie vs Glowacki, but was saddened by the tragic news she woke up to in the morning, "Heartbreaking news to wake up to the passing of Lee Noble, fought until the final bell. Rest in perfect peace Champ."

Two-time WBO European champ, Conrad Cummings added, "Saddened to hear about the death of boxer Lee Noble, only 33 years young also. So sad. RIP champ."

Former Southern Area titlist Danny Connor said, "Rest in peace Lightning Lee Noble, absolutely gutted. I know Brendan [Ingle] would have been there to meet him when he got to the gates of heaven, Lee Noble fought this battle like he fought in the ring, with style and grit, the man never complained once, what a warrior, I'll never forget you champ! Til we meet again! LEE NOBLE".

Frankie Gavin said, "RIP Lee Noble. Warrior and gentleman."

Sky Sports' Adam Smith added, "Very sad to hear about Lee Noble - lovely guy and what a brave man and fighter."

'Lightning' Lee Noble made his professional debut in 2006 and finished his career in 2014 with a record of 20 wins, 24 losses and three draws. He fought Billy Joe Saunders in December 2009, going the distance with the then 4-0 future two-weight world champion on the undercard of Kevin Mitchell vs Breidis Prescott. The two were close friends thereafter.

Noble only lost two from his last 10 contests, winning his final five fights. The Barnsley boxer also had a bareknuckle boxing fight in 2016.

Lee's battle with leukaemia lasted for many years and he managed to beat the disease twice, but it returned and he was treated in University College London in 2020. He was visited regularly by friends but he was 200 miles from his family, which was very difficult.

GBN would also like to offer their deepest condolences to Lee's family and friends at this difficult time.

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