The Star reported after a flurry of tributes were paid to Rob Beech, a dad-of-one, after he died at his home on April 11 this year.
He was well-known in the boxing community and beyond.
Rob, from West Park, who was born on June 8, 1982, was a former heavyweight boxer and business owner who ran haulage companies across the North West.
He was well-known across St Helens for his involvement in professional boxing, as well as other sports with MMA and rugby league also among those he was involved with.
He once fought against future world champion Tony Bellew during his amateur days.
He also previously owned the waste management firm Bin It Off and ProHaul.
He died at his home in Upholland on Saturday, April 11, this year.
An inquest into Rob’s death concluded at Preston Coroner’s Court on Friday, August 21.
It was determined that Rob’s death was caused by coronary artery disease and thickening of a heart ventricle which, alongside consumption of an excess amount of ketamine, resulted in a fatal cardiac event.
The ventricular thickening had been caused by previous steroid use.
Area coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen delivered a verdict of misadventure.
After Rob’s passing, his mum Jan Beech said: “He is our only son, and he was a man with a heart of gold.
“He loved boxing but the real love of his life is his son Logan.
“He lived for that boy and he adores his daddy.
“It’s a huge shock losing Rob, but we have been astounded by the amount of people who knew him and who thought so much of him.
“We know how lovely he is but to have so many kind messages about our son, it means so much at this time it really does.”
Rob, with son Logan (Image: Submitted)
Hundreds of tributes were also posted on social media after his death, many from the area’s boxing and sporting communities.
Gary Crickson, owner of Forge Fitness gym in Rainhill, said: “Rob was generous, he always looked after everyone, he was loyal and a good friend.
“He was always genuine and had a big heart.”
Sean Martin, owner of Hamma gym, said: “One of my best mates in life and I loved being your coach and friend for the last 20 years.
“Rob Beech I love you lad and I will miss you everyday.”
Rob, with his son Logan (Image: Submitted)
His ex-wife Sam Beech said: “Logan could not ask for a better dad than Rob.
“He gets called mini Beechy, he is his daddy’s double, he’s the spit of Rob he really is and they adored each other.
“Rob really had a heart of gold; he was a friend to so many.”