A CROWD-FUNDING appeal has been launched by boxing gym owner Marvin Greaves to help pay for the funeral of his "rising star" Trent Warburton who was tragically killed just short of his 18th birthday following a collision in the early hours of Saturday.

Marvin, who trained 17-year-old Trent - who was described as having a bright future and was an up-and-coming champ - has set up a JustGiving page to help his family pay for his funeral.

The £3,000 target was reached within a couple days of being launched with over 150 supporters pledging cash. On the JustGiving page Marvin, who owns Team Greaves boxing gym in Bourne Street, Oldham, and intends to set up a permanent memorial to Trent, said: "We're here to help the family raise money for Trent Warby for the funeral to give him a good send-off.

"He was a big part of our life and for many with a great talent in the boxing game, boxing out of Team Greaves gym.

"He lost his life in a traffic collision which took this young boy's life and another one in a critical condition.

"We are all going to sadly miss him, he was only 17, his birthday was on 19/11/18. He was planning a good night out but this has happened so please, it will be a big help if people can contribute."

Meanwhile, former world champion boxer Anthony Crolla is auctioning off the pair of shorts he wore in his recent points win over Daud Yordan at Manchester Arena. Crolla was on the undercard before the Tony Bellew and Oleksandr Usyk clash.

Speaking live on television he said: "Before I go any further, do you mind me just saying, this morning in the early hours about half a mile away from me, a young boxer in the early hours of the morning lost his life, Trent Warby.

"I'm sure in five or ten years time there's a good chance he would've been in this arena himself... so god bless to him and god bless to his family."

He is appealing for people to submit bids at his Instagram page at ant_crolla86

Trent suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a grey Vauxhall Insignia at 2.55am on Oldham Road near junction 22 of the M60 as he and his 19-year-old cousin - who suffered skull and facial injuries and leg fractures - were cycling home.

According to the police, the driver fled the scene and five minutes later, officers were told an Insignia had hit a taxi in Failsworth and the driver had fled on foot.

A 27-year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of dangerous driving and drink driving. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Trent’s family have since released one of their favourite pictures of him from 2015.

Paying tribute to him, his family said: “Trent was the much loved son of Terry Warburton and Janine Cave. Brother to Shannon, Terrell, Tamara, Tiana, Tessa and Maulakai.

“Our son was our blue eyed golden boy with his cheeky smile that got him away with almost anything with his mum. He was his dad’s right hand man and his best friend.

“He trained hard at Marvin’s Gym (Team Greaves) for a number of years and he well and truly looked up to his trainer with lots of love and respect.

“He was a polite, well respected young man who has touched the lives of many people in Oldham and the love we have felt from the Oldham community has been very heart warming.

“We have to live with this loss for the rest of our lives. It’s left us all as a family truly devastated and our lives will never be the same again

“Forever in our hearts. Trent, we love you.”

The teenager – one of seven children - was working as a roofer after gaining qualifications at Oldham College.

To donate to Marvin's appeal the link is:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marvin-greaves36?utm_id=107&utm_term=dEWRRbW3g&fbclid=IwAR095b-QbnvBJl4mHrT8U6z4birweZiHdJwmGny_KOzm-13yHF7DI3GIupQ