Legendary snooker MC Alan Hughes, who gave famous stars their nicknames, has passed away.
Hughes, who was dubbed the ‘Voice of Snooker’, ensured that Ronnie O’Sullivan was referred to as ‘The Rocket’, while Jimmy White was known as ‘The Whirlwind of London Town’.
A regular presence at the Crucible, Hughes was also the MC for 42 boxing fights, as reported byĀ The Sun.
He oversaw boxing fights that included the likes ofĀ Chris EubankĀ and Nigel Benn.
Hughes also had further sporting pedigree as he played forĀ TottenhamĀ alongside Jimmy Greaves.
Hughes explained on his website that he changed O’Sullivan’s nickname but it didn’t stick.
He said:Ā ‘I started off calling Ronnie O’Sullivan ‘the Rocket’ but he didn’t like it.
‘Apparently there was a bloke in Birmingham they called ‘Rocket Ron’ because he couldn’t pot a ball!
‘But now I call him ‘the Essex Exocet’ because I think that’s a bit more classy.’
Many tributes were paid to Hughes following his death.
One user wrote: ‘Sad to learn of the passing of former snooker mc Alan Hughes. Gave nicknames to a few pros that stuck and was always good for a laugh. God rest him.’
Snooker coach Fin Ruane wrote: ‘Sad to hear of the passing of Alan Hughes – the original snooker MC who no doubt paved the way for many in the business today
‘Lovely man and great company at the tournaments back in the day Rest easy Alan’.
Another user expressed their sadness at Hughes’ death.
They wrote: ‘So sad to hear the passing of Snooker’s legendary MC – the one and only Alan Hughes. Almost impossible to believe the number of well-known names this sport has now lost in this year alone. May he rest in peace’.
Journalist Nick Metcalfe paid tribute to Hughes as he wrote: ‘It’s sad to hear the news that snooker’s best ever compere, Alan Hughes, has died. Alan oozed show business. Pure old school. And boy did he give that job gravitas. ‘The Whirlwind of London Town…’ RIP Alan’.
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