The most famous boxer to come out of Fulham in the 1930s, who was described as a true gentleman outside the ring, has died aged 94.

Friends and family of Tommy Barnham met at the Royal British Legion Club in Parsons Green ahead of his funeral today (Feb 06).

The sportsman died on January 26, a few months before his 95th birthday.

The lightweight boxer had 31 fights since turning pro in 1937 but his professional career was cut short when he was recruited into the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

His naval ship was torpedoed off the coast of Africa in 1941. Tommy survived 10 hours in shark infested waters with shrapnel wounds to his neck, back and arms but was eventually caught and held in a prisoner of war camp for four and half years. Nevertheless, he continued to fight while in captivity.

When he returned to London, Tommy continued his boxing career for another seven years, notching up a total of 93 professional fights. His biggest career highlight was when he came close to beating world champion Duilio Loi at Earls Court in 1951.

Granddaughter Alex Scriven, of Fulham, said: “My grandad was a true gentleman. You may ask yourself how can the same man be a gentleman yet a boxer. Well, he left his boxing in the ring and outside of this he was a kind, caring and honourable man.

“Many describe him as one of the most skilful boxers of the 1930s and 40s. In his lifetime he never smoked, drunk alcohol or swore. He would always put others before himself.”

Tommy was born Thomas Henry Barnham on April 25, 1919. He was one of seven siblings who grew up in Lintaine Grove, Fulham.

He married Dot in St Thomas Church, Fulham, on Christmas Eve 1945, and had two daughters.

His brother Bill started boxing in the family, with Tommy following suit at the age of 12 when he joined Fulham Amateur Boxing Club.

Upon retirement from the ring, Tommy went on to open a social club in North End Road, Fulham, and later owned a betting shop in Charleville Road, West Kensington. He raced greyhounds at Stamford Bridge and later learned the Knowledge and drove black taxis until the age of 80.

In recent years he began to lose his sight, but his family remember he never stopped smiling.

He is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren and a great grandchild. His wife Dot died in 1987.