A young boxer who died at Christmas had a life “full of potential that was never achieved” mourners heard yesterday.
Family and friends of Ryan Watt gathered at Trinity Church in Inverness to say their farewells to the 23-year-old.
He was found dead on Boxing Day by police after he failed to turn up to spend Christmas with his family.
He had recently been released from jail but his family said he was determined to turn his life around.
More than 200 people, including Mr Watt’s parents Pauline and Kevin, packed into the church for the half hour service, which included the hymns, Morning has Broken and Amazing Grace.
One of the family’s floral tributes was in the shape of red boxing gloves, reflecting the young man’s love of the sport.
The Rev Murray said that Mr Watt had recently rejoined Inverness City Amateur Boxing Club and was a “disciplined, dedicated and determined” member.
He added that while Mr Watt was “no saint”, he had “made his mistakes and paid for them”.
He said that Mr Watt’s life was “full of potential that was never achieved”.
Mr Watt attended Merkinch Primary and Crown Primary before completing his secondary education at Millburn Academy.
He left to be an apprentice joiner.
Mr Watt started boxing in 2006, at the age of 16, but gave up the sport in 2009 – the year after he was named Scottish Novice Champion.
Of his 10 bouts, he won five and lost five.
Donations given at the service will go to the boxing club, which is run by Laurie Redfern.
LMr Watt was buried in Kilvean Cemetery.
