British champion Bobby Vanzie has vowed to dedicate his next fight to the man who set him on the road to stardom.

The holder of the British and Commonwealth lightweight titles made the pledge just hours after hearing of the death of one of Bradford's best-loved amateur boxing coaches Bill Carriss.

The 62-year-old Karmand Centre stalwart collapsed after stepping out of a boat while on a fishing trip with his family to the Isle of Skye.

He died in the arms of his wife Dot who is a popular figure around the amateur boxing scene watching the boys Bill gave so much time, energy and dedication to.

Vanzie, who is due to defend his Commonwealth lightweight crown at Manchester on September 9, said: "I'm heart-broken. Bill watched out for me like a father. I have never lost somebody so close to me and it hurts terribly but I know in this situation what Bill would want me to do.

"He would want me to go out and fight and win. That is what I am going to do and this one is dedicated to him. I owe him that much."

As he choked back his tears Vanzie spoke affectionately of the role his former coach played in his life.

"I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for Bill," said the British and Commonwealth champion.

"From the age of ten when I first started boxing after being bullied at school until the time I was 20 he guided me.

"He took me on holiday with his family and I was treated like a brother to his sons Peter and David.

"Bill was a wonderful man who did so much good for boxing. I'm totally devastated because he told me recently that he had found an old video of the two of us on holiday with his boys on a fishing trip.

"I was due to go and see him. I cannot believe I won't be able to say goodbye or thank you to him."

Vanzie was one of many boys to benefit from Carriss's coaching during the 15 years in which he built Karmand Centre into one of the country's most respected amateur clubs.

He was assisted for much of the time by his eldest son David and together they have produced a string of outstanding national champions.

His work was recognised last year when he was nominated for the Contribution to Community Sport category of the Telegraph & Argus' Bradford's Best Awards.

Two of Carriss's current crop of young boxers, Femi Fehintola and Terry Fletcher, are currently boxing for Young England in Hungary.

"Like everybody else in the club they were so close to my dad. They will be shattered when they find out," said David.