A FATHER says he is devastated after the death of his son, a talented young boxer with the “heart of a lion”.

Jordan Hughes, who lived in Hove, is believed to have taken his own life on Saturday.

His father, hairdresser Neil Hughes, said: “He was a warrior with the heart of a lion.

“He defended his friends and family with his life and was very loyal.

“Many knew him as a happy, friendly boy who would help anyone he could.”

Jordan, 26, was found in a flat in Clarendon Road, Hove, on Saturday.

Police and ambulance crews attended the scene.

Neil said: “He never wanted to show weakness in any shape or form.

“My son took his own life and we will never know why he did this.

“As a family we are devastated.

“Our thoughts are now with his young daughter.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “At 3.20pm on Saturday police and ambulance crews went to an address in Clarendon Road, Hove, where a man in his twenties had been found dead.

“There were no suspicious circumstances and the coroner’s officer is continuing enquiries.”

Sussex Police confirmed the man was Jordan Hughes and said his next of kin had been informed.

Jordan enjoyed a successful amateur boxing career winning several belts in regional competitions.

He trained at several clubs across Brighton including Whitehawk Amateur Boxing Club.

His former coach, Terry King, 40, said: “He was about 14 when he first came in as a wiry young lad with lots of energy.

“I will never forget the first time he got in the ring. He started doing some show boxing and said, ‘this is for me, I’m going to be the world champion’.

“We thought we had heard it all before, but Jordan went on to be a very talented boxer.

“He won two belts with us and I know he did well at other clubs as well. He was highly competitive and took it very seriously.”

Terry said that Jordan would drive him “absolutely mad” as he asked for a lift home after training.

He said: “I would go over to my van and he would run over to the passenger side and jump in and wouldn’t get out until I agreed to give him a lift home, despite the fact it was ten minutes in the opposite direction.

“But to say thank you he would promise to train hard and do well in the gym.”

Terry also remembered the last time he had seen Jordan.

He said: “I was very, very sad when I found out the news.

“The last time he came down to the club was early this year. He was talking and I was trying to persuade him back into his amateur boxing career. He always showed me respect and he would give me a hug rather than a handshake.”

Whitehawk Amateur Boxing Club head coach Gary Emins remembered Jordan joining the club as a 14-year-old. He described him as a “cheeky lad” and a “big character” and added: “He was talented. When we saw him we knew he would probably become a boxer and do well.”