Boxing administrator Vic Richmond was remembered fondly over the weekend by those he assisted throughout his long service to the sport.

The president of the Bermuda Boxing Commission died last Thursday at the age of 69.

As well as serving as an administrator, Mr Richmond made many other contributions as a referee and judge, and played an integral role in raising the sport’s profile in Bermuda.

He served as a judge during the World Boxing Council-World Boxing Association middleweight unification bout between Bermuda’s Teresa Perozzi and American Tori Nelson in October 2012, which ended in a draw at Fairmont Southampton Resort.

He was also fight commissioner for the rematch four months later, this time for the WBC title at the Berkeley Institute gymnasium — the result was another draw.

Mr Richmond’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the local boxing community, which was trying to come to terms with the loss of an individual who gave so much to the sport.

“He was one of my biggest supporters,” Ms Perozzi said. “I always knew I could count on him. Vic was the reason my transition to professional boxing went so smoothly here in Bermuda. He went above and beyond to help me in any capacity when he knew I had a fight here or overseas.

“He will truly be missed and my heart goes out to his family.”

Clarence Hill, who remains Bermuda’s lone Olympic medal-winner after claiming bronze at the 1976 Montreal Games, said Bermuda’s boxing had lost one of its greatest ambassadors. “Vic’s passing has taken a lot from local boxing,” Mr Hill said. “He really did a lot for boxing in Bermuda.

“He always had his heart in it and to lose someone who has their heart in boxing in Bermuda, period, is a major loss.

“He was a good man and I took a liking to him. He helped me out a whole lot by always encouraging me. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone who knew him.”

Anthony Mouchette, a local amateur boxing referee, echoed Mr Hill’s sentiments.

“We have lost a great icon as far as the boxing fraternity is concerned,” said Mr Mouchette, who also worked with Mr Richmond on the Bermuda Police Service.

“He is going to be a big miss and whoever steps in to fill his shoes has some big shoes to fill. He was very instrumental in getting the Police gym up and running, and also instrumental in getting boxing in Bermuda on the cards.

“Later on, he advanced and became professional, and took up the professional arena as far as being an administrator and a judge.”

Troy Darrell, the former world-ranked professional middleweight boxer, also spoke highly of the late BBC president.

“I knew Vic through boxing and throughout the years he judged a lot of my [amateur] fights,” Mr Darrell said. “I got to know him personally and he went on a few trips with us when Clarence Hill qualified for the Olympics. He was a good guy.

“He kept boxing alive in Bermuda for a while with the Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association and I am very saddened to hear that he has passed.”

Leon Raynor, a professional boxing referee, added: “This is a big loss to boxing in Bermuda.

“He was a good guy and made his mark and we learned much from him.

“I was there in the beginning when the Police used to have their events up there in Prospect and Vic was the one who encouraged me to get involved.”