BOXING champ Prince Naseem Hamed has sent a message of sympathy to the parents of a young Bolton leukaemia victim. Teenager Warren Fairhurst died in hospital on Sunday after a two year fight against the cancer. His courage had inspired Naz when they met in Manchester earlier this year - a day before the boxer's succesful defence of his featherweight title.

The fighter had treated Warren to a day out and gave him tickets for the fight at the Nynex Arena.

Prince Naseem is currently training in New York for another title fight tomorrow.

But the BEN tracked the Sheffield-born boxer down to his suite at New York's Palace Hotel.

A spokesman for Naseem said he was in training for the bout but added: "Obviously Prince Naseem will want to pass on his deepest sympathy to Warren's parents and family. This is very upsetting."

Warren's parents spoke with pride yesterday of their son who they say fought to the end.

Although the 17-year-old had dyslexia, as well as being diagnosed with leukaemia in December 1995, he gained two GCSEs.

And even after losing the sight in one eye and partial sight in the other, Warren penned a stunning portrait which the fighter later signed.

His mum, Lesley, of Merefold, Horwich, said: "Warren had the same attitude about his illness as Naz has about fighting - get in the ring, get the job done quickly and get out.

"Naz was his hero and Warren was a born fighter. He never complained about his illness. He just wanted to carry on as normal and tried to hide his illness."

In June 1996 Warren had a stem cell and bone marrow transplant but months later the leukaemia returned.

He also underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment but died on Sunday at Christie Hospital in Manchester, his family at his bedside.

Bolton-based boxer Robin Reid has also sent the family a sympathy card.

Warren's dad, Paul, said: "It chokes you when you read what people have written. They did not need to do this but it proves how much people thought of Warren."

His twin brother, Christian, is devastated and has written a poem which will be read out at the funeral.

Dozens of mourners are expected to crowd into St Katharine's Parish Church, Blackrod, tomorrow at 10am, for the service. Warren will then be buried at Ridgmont Cemetery, Horwich, at 10.45am.

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