Special arrangements are in hand to hold a funeral next Saturday with a large crowd expected at the parish church of St Tydfil.

The family's minister, the Rev David Protheroe, said he expected an emotional gathering afterwards in the town centre to remember one of Wales' greatest sportsmen

Merthyr-born Winstone, who was 61, won the world title against Japan's Mitsunori Seki at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1968.

He lost the crown to Jose Legra at Porthcawl the following year.

But the stylish boxer Winstone will probably be best remembered for his three immense battles against Mexican Vicente Saldivar, all of which he lost.

Winstone died peacefully in Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr, after a long injury.

He leaves a widow Bronwen and a son Howard Jnr. Winstone had four children from a previous marriage.

Colin Jones, the Welsh welterweight who held the British, European and Commonwealth championships and took part in three epic world-title fights, knew Winstone well.

He learnt his trade under Winstone's legendary trainer Eddie Thomas in his Merthy gym, and told BBC Wales that when he began as an 18-year-old Howard was always the heart and soul of the establishment, a true character.

He was prepared to mix with the youngsters, though he was a legend worldwide.

"I think he was the last of the elite Welsh champions... he was the last of the greats," said Jones.

"When Howard held the British, European and World titles they really meant something."

Jones said Winstone was a great tactician, but he was unsure where his true strengths lay. Eddie Thomas felt it was his left jab, his sparring partners would say his combination work.

Winstone deserved his title break against Seki, having been so unlucky in his bouts with Saldivar.

To prove his worldwide renown, Jones remembers that wherever he travelled people would ask after "the great Howard Winstone with the left hand like a piston."

World Championship fact file

Lost three times to reigning champion Vicente Saldivar: