GLENROTHES Boxing Club held a remembrance night in Connor Law’s honour on June 14 following the 26-year-old boxer’s shocking death at the beginning of the month.
Law took his own life on June 3, yet his family and friends shared stories of better times for Connor, a remarkable and popular young man.
“He was a true gentleman in and out of the ring and everybody looked up to him in the gym, no one ever had a bad word to say about Connor,” said his trainer, Steve Maguire. A banner now hangs above the outside of the gym with the words “Our Champ” alongside his picture.
A decorated amateur, Connor started out at his hometown club in Kelty, before moving to the Glenrothes Boxing Club at the age of 15. He won titles at every level from juniors up to the Scottish Elite Championships (twice) and also represented his country around the world.
When he made the decision to turn professional five years ago much was expected of him and he went through his career undefeated with a record of 13-0 (4). A classy counter puncher with flashy hand speed, Connor could be in front of you one second and behind you the next such was his dazzling footwork.
A boxing man through and through, he would spend time training the younger members of the gym and taking them on the pads. According to those in the gym, Connor’s presence would give everyone a lift; they looked up to him and would noticeably try harder whenever he was there.
He had become slightly disillusioned with what he described as “the business side of the sport” and took some time away from boxing last year to decide what he wanted to do.
However, missing boxing, Connor gave up his job to train full time to “chase the dream” a few months ago. He had recently agreed an eight-fight deal with Frank Warren which would surely have propelled him on to a bigger stage. He was scheduled to fight in July.
Few knew he was suffering, though. Another stark reminder about the dangers of mental health and how serious depression is.
At the celebration of his life, not only was the church packed for his service but the two-and-a-half mile stretch of road from there to his resting place at Beath Cemetery had the lampposts adorned with boxing gloves and also lined with people looking to pay their respects to a warm and genuinely nice guy. In a touchingly sombre moment, an aeroplane flew overhead dropping a large bag of red and white petals over the mourning crowds.
Rest easy, champ.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal feelings or mental health problems, there is advice and support out there. In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, 24 hours a day. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org
