British wrestling legend Mick Mcmanus has died.

The former grappler became a household name in the U.K. in the 1960s and '70s for countless televised bouts with his rivals, earning himself the nickname 'The Man You Love To Hate'.

He won the European Middleweight Championship on four occasions during his career, and was also the British Middleweight and Welterweight champion. After his retirement, he worked as a public relations officer for a telecoms company.

MCManus passed away at a nursing home in England on Wednesday (22May13). Although he was widely reported to have been aged 85, it's believed he was actually 93 at the time of his death.

Frank Rimmer, the organiser of the annual British Wrestlers Reunion event, tells Sky News, "I am deeply saddened to announce the death of the legend that was Mick MCManus, who passed away at 1am this morning. Mick never recovered from the loss of his beloved wife Barbara, and lost the will to live... (He refused) all food and drink until he quietly slipped into a coma three days ago."