Dad was ‘paralysed’ when his boxer son died – however he’d quickly be useless himself
A family in Hartlepool is engulfed in grief after the sudden deaths of a father and soon just days apart.
Tony Rowbotham, aged 52, died on August 9, which followed the tragic loss of his son Liam, who was just 25 when he passed away on July 13.
Both father and son were well-known figures in the local boxing community. Tony, a dedicated bricklayer and builder, was remembered for his immense passion for his work and his role as a devoted family man who always pushed his six kids to excel.
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The circumstances of their deaths are currently under investigation, with an inquest already underway for Liam and another anticipated for Tony.
Kirsty, a family member, shared her sorrow: “When Liam died we couldn’t pick Tony up. He taught Liam everything, taught him how to box, how to build. He was bad with it, we all still are.”
Tributes and fond memories have been flooding in, especially from those within Tony’s boxing network. “Everyone thought he was invincible,” Kirsty added, reports Teesside Live.
“We all did and that’s why we can’t believe what’s happened. Tony had lots of friends. He would do anything for anyone. He was a real family man. Everything revolved around us for him.”
Tony’s boxing career included more than 70 fights, with five professional bouts, under the guidance of renowned Hartlepool coach Peter Cope. He was part of the Boys Welfare team, backed by Gus Robinson.
He had his final professional bout at the age of 27, but continued to train. His three sons followed in his footsteps.
“Tony didn’t have the best upbringing but Peter Cope took him under his wing,” Kirsty shared. “He described Tony as a friend and a son and a determined fighter. He even named one of his children after Tony.
“We’ve received numerous messages all saying he was a legend. Like us, they all believed he was invincible.”
Tony later embraced Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He was a long-standing member of the Gracie Barra gyms on Sotherby Road in Middlesbrough and Cromwell Street in Hartlepool, now known as Seven Jiu Jitsu.
He once sparred with Hollywood star Tom Hardy, a fan of the sport, and humorously told his family afterwards that he was not only a better fighter but also “and better-looking”. Kirsty revealed: “He adored jiu-jitsu. It was something new, he used to say it made him feel like he was reborn.”
His family said Tony’s motto was “no white flags” and he thrived on a new challenge. After just a year of training in the martial arts discipline, he earned his blue belt – the second adult rank in the martial arts discipline.
“He put everything into everything he did,” Kirsty stated. This included his recovery from a major operation in 2023 following a diagnosis of a rare blood disease.
Tony’s body produced an excess of blood cells, causing his blood to thicken and several veins to block. This can heighten the risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke.
Kirsty revealed Tony’s body had responded to his condition by developing a new vein in his leg, a reaction that may have saved his life. “The doctors were amazed – the surgeon called him ‘the hulk’,” she said. “He spent 11 hours on the operating table at James Cook University Hospital but within six weeks was back on his feet, returning to jui jitsu three months later.”
Tony was a father to Liam, Emily, 22, Henry, 20, George, 16, Daisy, 12, and nine-year-old Nancy. Emily fondly recalled her dad’s competitive spirit, always striving to excel in whatever he pursued.
“When we used to practice dancing he would be doing all the hand stands and crabs with us – but trying to do it better,” she added.
Sharing more cherished memories, Kirsty remembered how Tony loved music and would select songs to match the atmosphere at home. “He made us fearless,” Henry, 20, stated. Kirsty added: “He was so determined, it was his way of thinking.
“He always used to say to the kids that anything is possible, you’ve just got to make it happen. ‘No white flags’ – that’s what he always used to say.”
Plans are set for Tony’s service at St Joseph’s Church located on Hutton Avenue in Hartlepool on September 20 at 1pm, with an open invitation to those who had the privilege of knowing him.
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