FORMER British, European and Empire Flyweight champion and sports teacher, Dai Dower MBE, has died at the age of 83.

Born on June 20, 1933 in Abercynon in Wales, he retired at the age of 25 following a five-year professional career which saw him finish with a record of 34 wins and three losses and a reputation as a fast and skilful fighter.

The biggest fight of his career was a first round loss to the Argentinian world champion Pascual Perez in 1957.

He went on to teach sport at Ringwood Grammar School, which was originally founded in Ringwood, but later moved to West Cliff in Bournemouth.

From there he became head of sport at Bournemouth University, which is a position that he held until April 1998. Just two months later, he received an MBE to reward his years of teaching sport to children.

He appeared in the Daily Echo in June 2011, as Bournemouth ex-Boxers Association looked to raise £4,000 to purchase a replica Lonsdale belt to replace one that he had won more than 50 years ago.

Boxers get to keep their Lonsdale Belt if they become British champion and defend the title twice. Dai defended his once but had to do his national service. He was told he would be the first challenger when he came back out, but due to political manoeuvring outside the ring, he never got that fight, and retired 17 months later.

At the time, John Dickinson, a member of the club, said: "For more than 50 years Dai suffered in silence. Bright as a button, and straight as they come, he is an inspirational figure.”

In reply, Dai said: "When I heard I was thrilled to bits. I was just amazingly excited the boys would do as much as that for me."

Five months after launching their appeal, the group had collected the funds and Dai beamed with pride at finally being able to lift the belt.

He died on August 1 and his funeral took place at Bournemouth Crematorium on Friday, August 12 with donations going to Parkinson's UK and the stroke unit at Poole Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and his two daughters.