Friends and family paid tribute to “gentle giant” Gary Mason at his funeral today.

Boxing pundit Steve Bunce said: “In addition to being a a terrific boxer, Gary Mason was also a fantastic friend to everyone who ever met him.

His brother, giving his eulogy, called him “a gentle giant”.

Dr David English, founder of Bunbury Cricket Club where Mason played in a side along with Eric Clapton, said he would remember his “thunderous laugh.”

He said: “He had the biggest heart and the kindest nature I have known in a fellow human being.”

Among the tributes given to him were from the Jamaican High Commission, who said he had been an inspiration to young boxers of Jamaican heritage.

Adrian Addo, from Roundshaw Homes, that run the Roundshaw estate where he lived, said he had given a great deal to his community, including leading the Imagine Arts Festival last year with his drumming group.

He said: “He was bringing the whole community together.”

He added: “He was an inspiration to all who knew him and a great friend.”

Mason's funeral took place today at All Saints Church, Carshalton, where his family were joined by hundreds of mourners, including former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

Mason was killed on January 6 when he was knocked off his bike in Wallington.