Tony Rowney, who was known as The Ring Gladiator, died at his home in Kettering in the early hours of Thursday, aged 70.

During his career he was the Midlands middleweight wrestling champion and an Army boxing champion.

His son, also called Tony, said: "He loved the showmanship. He was a baddie and he used to love winding up the crowd.

"He was a warrior and he fought all his life, right up until the end.

"He had an enormous character and loved his family.

"There was a tremendous amount of skill in what he did."

Mr Rowney, a former steelworker in Corby, wrestled for more than 20 years and went on to spend another 20 years as head of security at Wicksteed Park in Kettering.

His family was at his bedside when he died after losing his battle with cancer.

His son said: "His strength was amazing and he had a great sense of humour.

"I went to watch him wrestle from when I was about 10. I could see him getting hit, but I was more worried for the people he was fighting."

Mr Rowney fought in front of crowds at venues across the country including Corby's Stardust Club and the Windmill Club, Rushden.

He fought some of the biggest names of the era including Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy.

He leaves behind his wife, Sandra Price, son Tony Rowney and daughter Lee Price.

Other friends have paid tribute to Mr Rowney.

Luke Cotter, who knew him for more than 30 years, said: "He was a very strong man. He wrestled many of the top stars and I was shocked and saddened to hear that he had died."

Members of Bodyshapers Gym have also paid tribute to Mr Rowney.

His funeral will be held at the crematorium in Rothwell Road, Kettering, on Friday starting at 11.15am.

Mourners are asked not to wear black and the family has asked for donations for Cancer Research UK, instead of floral tributes.