HUNDREDS of boxing fans are expected to pay their respects to former Scottish welterweight champion Bobby Keddie at his funeral today.

The Glasgow-born fighter, who died on February 3, aged 76, coached hundreds of youngsters in the East End.

The funeral cortege will pause for two minutes at Shettleston Community Centre on Amulree Street - which became known locally as 'Bobby's Boxing Club' - before arriving at Shettleston Old Parish Church for a service at 11am.

The former tradesman turned boxing star became a household name in the 50s and 60s when amateur bouts were shown in black and white across the country.

Keddie trained at the historic Bridgeton-based Scottish National club run by legendary boxing manager Tommy Gilmour senior.

He became Scottish ABA welterweight champion in 1959 then reached the final of the prestigious British championships at Wembley, where it took someone of the calibre of Englishman Jim McGrail to outpoint Keddie in the 10st 7lbs final.

Keddie enjoyed a brief professional boxing career which began by beating Panther Cyril and ended in August 1965 when he lost to Ghanaian George Onwuna.

He went to mentor many talented young boxers, including featherweight Bobby 'Sherbo' McDermott.

Paying tribute, Fraser Walker, CEO of Boxing Scotland, said: "Bobby was a multi-titled amateur boxer who represented Scotland many times. He was renowned for his left jab and hook, being a natural southpaw boxing orthodox.

"Following a short professional career which was brought to an end prematurely by injury, Bobby moved into coaching where he brought through many champions over the decades.

"He was known and respected for the care he showed to young boxers in his charge, being a father figure as well as a boxing coach. Bobby was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed."

Keddie is survived by his partner, Alice, his son, Robert junior, daughter Amanda, and his twin brother Tom.

The family has asked that mourners donate to the Bobby Keddie Boxing Club instead of bringing flowers.