BOXING PIONEER Kirkland Laing has died, seven years after a fall from the fourth-floor of a balcony in East London left him in critical condition.

Laing, who retired from boxing in 1994 with a record of 43 victories, 12 defeats and one draw, will be best remembered for producing one the finest performances by a British fighter on American soil when he upset the legendary Roberto Duran back in 1982.

Laing, known as ‘The Gifted One’ was a massive underdog heading into that fight, meaning he received Ring Magazine’s Upset of the Year award when he beat the the Panama legend.

Respected boxing Steve Bunce said his Independent column: ”The Kirkland Laing boxing story is one of the craziest, most brilliant, frustrating, incredible and sad tales in a business of extremes, joy, blood and violence.”

Promoter Frank Warren led the tributes to the boxing great as the heartbreaking news of his death spread online. He wrote on Twitter: “All at Queensberry are very sad to hear news of the passing of former British & European Welterweight Champion Kirkland Laing. Our thoughts are with Kirkland’s family at this time. RIP Champ.”

Boxer Curtis Woodhouse said: “Ah this is sad to hear, fell on serious hard times and pretty much forgotten about but anybody who knows boxing knows this mans name. Rest in power champion.”