Tributes from the world of boxing have continued to flood in for former British heavyweight champion Gary Mason.

The Wallington resident died after a van collided with his bike in Sandy Lane South at about 6.15am yesterday.

Boxing promoter Frank Maloney described Mr Mason's death as a tragedy.

He said: “It's a great loss, not just to boxing but to life in general. He was always a happy guy with a smile on his face.

“Even if things were going wrong, he cheered other people up. He was one of the nice guys of boxing and did great work for charity.

“Gary was a good heavyweight but was around at the wrong time, with the likes of Lennox Lewis and Fran Bruno.

“If he was around today, he would have dominated the division.”

Robert Smith, of the British Boxing Board of Control, said: “He was a good champion in the era when we had Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis. He was a huge puncher and very nice man.”

Writing on Twitter, Mr Lewis said: “Very sad to hear of the tragic passing of Gary Mason. He will be missed. RIP.

“Gary Mason's death is a shock and a tragic loss, not only to his family and friends, but to the sport of boxing.”

Fans and local people added their tributes on the micro-blogging site.

John Dollin said: “Shocked to hear former British boxing heavyweight champion Gary Mason has died after a traffic accident. I met him once, a nice guy.”

Lardj wrote: “#garymason saw him a couple of times in Morden waiting for a bus to star struck to ask for an autograph.”