MARTIN Murray has paid a moving tribute to his former trainer Oliver Harrison, who passed away on Friday at the age of 58.

The four-time World title contender worked under Harrison's stewardship - preparing him for huge battles against Sergio Martinez in Buenos Aires and Gennady Golovkin in Monaco.

From his gym in Salford, Jamaican-born Harrison, who was a pro himself between 1987-91, also trained top fighters like Amir Khan, Jamie Moore and Rocky Fielding.

Posting on Instagram yesterday, Murray said: "Thought I'd leave it a few days before putting a post out about my dear friend Oliver who passed away on Friday morning, as I needed time to come to terms with the giant loss that will be forever in my life.

"No words that I say can even come close to doing him justice and the world is a far worse off place without this man in my life - and everyone else's life who had the pleasure of knowing him.

"He was a lovely man who treated everyone with respect, always had a smile for you and was all about his family and boxing.

"A true teacher of the sport who always put his fighters first.

"He never wanted fame, or looked for praise, and as long as he had his boxing gym with a couple of fighters he was happy.

"Together we tried to conquer the world, going wherever the challenge was.

We never quite got there after being 'unlucky' a few times, but we did try."

Murray lost three title challenges and drew one, controversially, against Felix Sturm in Germany which meant he has never been crowned world champion.

Murray felt that his trainer never had the recognition he deserved for those efforts.

"The only thing that hurts me in all them world title fights that we came up 'short' in, was the fact that he never got the recognition he deserved.

"But I've loved the recognition and respect he's received since he left us so thank you so much for all the kind words and messages.

"He was without doubt a world class trainer, but a world class person and friend to me and many others.

"This man taught me so much, not just about boxing, but about life too, and I'll be eternally grateful to him for helping me turn my life around and his help in turning me into the man that I am today.

"A true legend who will be missed, loved and respected forever

"Rest in paradise my friend.

"Thanks for everything," he said.