Mr Montague trained young boxing hopefuls in the city

Joe Montague was fired at several times in the early hours of Sunday as he parked his car.

Police have not yet named the man, but neighbours confirmed his identity and said he had been visiting his daughter Joanne, who suffered from multiple sclerosis.

They described Mr Montague as a caring, family man who trained young boxing hopefuls in the city.

People in the area liked him a lot and he trained quite a few youngsters in boxing Roseann Botton Victim's neighbour

Among his charges were Neil Simpson, the former British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion, who lost a title fight against Nigerian Peter Oboh in March.

Mr Montague was killed as he parked his silver Ford Focus car in Newdigate Road, in the Foleshill area of the city, shortly after midnight.

Chief Superintendent Stephen Dugmore, from West Midlands Police, said it appeared the man was deliberately targeted by one or two attackers.

He said: "We don't believe this was a random shooting so people in the surrounding area shouldn't be concerned.

Cordoned off

"It is not clear how many times he was shot, but it was more than once.

"There is no doubt that somebody knows a lot about this and we would appeal to anyone with any information to contact us."

Mr Dugmore said they were still unclear on the motive for the shooting.

Police and forensics officers spent most of Sunday searching an area close to the scene, and part of Newdigate Road has been cordoned off.

Police are still unclear on the motive for the shooting

A Home Office pathologist carried out a post mortem examination on the body on Sunday afternoon.

Resident Daisy Gardner said she felt "sick" when she heard about the incident.

"He was such a nice man and would have done anything for you if you asked him," she said.

Mrs Gardner said the pensioner had been an amateur boxing trainer and was married with two children.

No enemies

The man's friend Roseann Botton, who lives opposite the house in Newdigate Road, said the former boxer was a kind man and devoted to his family.

She said: "Joe was a real gentleman and cared so much about his family.

"People in the area liked him a lot and he trained quite a few youngsters in boxing.

"Everyone is shocked about what has happened, because he didn't have any enemies.

"It is difficult to understand why anyone would want him dead."