The British Boxing Board of Control paid tribute to the former heavyweight champion, turned manager.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | London | Boxer shot over club smoking row

However there had been doubts the fight would happen after Farr came under pressure from the British Boxing Board of Control to instead fight German boxer, Max Schmeling.

BBC: Tommy Farr: Boxer who fought his way out of pits

Rees' boxing career looked over when he was banned for a year by the British Boxing Board of Control after he knocked out a mourner at a wake.

BBC: Calzaghe demands Rees respect

British light heavyweight champion Peter Oboh has been stripped of his crown by the British Boxing Board of Control after refusing to defend his title on the undercard.

BBC: SPORT | Boxing | Haye powers to win as heavyweight

Consequently, Robb did not bother to reapply to the British Boxing Board of Control when his licence came up for renewal, believing that he would be wasting his time.

BBC: Fighting with diabetes

If he fails to win the competition he may be stripped of his title by the British Boxing Board of Control and he admits he is taking a big risk.

BBC: Harrison signs for Prizefighter

Oakey and Spartacus had been matched for the vacant title by the British Boxing Board of Control after they stripped former champion Peter Oboh of his belt for failing to defend against Oakey at Wembley Arena last month.

BBC: Dominant Oakey crushes Spartacus

Boxer Michael Norgrove has died several days after collapsing in the ring, the British Board of Boxing Control (BBBC) has confirmed.

BBC: Boxer Michael Norgrove dies days after ring collapse