Oyebola family plan charity foundation

The 47-year-old former British heavyweight champion died on Friday after being shot in an incident outside a Fulham nightclub early on Monday morning.

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But his devastated family are already making plans to ensure that the Nigeria-born Oyebola's life was not in vain.

In a statement they said: "Big James was a fighter to the end and his legacy will live on in a charity foundation in his name to keep kids off the streets."

The boxing community reacted with shock to news of the death of Oyebola, whose 6ft 9in frame and 'Big, Bad' nickname did not reflect his image as one of the sport's nice guys.

The British Boxing Board of Control's general secretary Simon Block said: "From reports we understand the shooting was an issue of respect. James showed it to others and received it back himself.

"Those who perpetrated this wretched deed have earned for themselves only contempt."

Oyebola was shot in the face and the leg after intervening to help staff who had asked three men to put out their cigarettes.

Frank Maloney, Oyebola's former promoter who continued to work with him in his more recent role as a respected manager, was at Charing Cross Hospital with Oyebola's family.

A clearly shaken Maloney said: "This is one of the saddest times I have experienced. Boxing has lost a great ambassador.

"James had to fight tooth and nail for everything he achieved in life and then he dedicated himself to encouraging young kids to do the same."

Oyebola's former opponent Scott Welch said he was "completely devastated" by news of the death of a fighter with whom he remained close.

"He only phoned me two weeks ago and told me how well the family was doing and about the prospects he was managing.

"We didn't like each other at the time but after we fought there was a great mutual respect and admiration. He might have been big and bad inside the ring but he was a great family man out of it."