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Boxing promoter Frank Maloney sufferred a suspected heart attack after discovering a boxer's dead body.
Darren Sutherland, 27, who won bronze for Ireland at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was found by Maloney hanged in his flat in Bromley.
Maloney, 55, was taken to hospital suffering from
shock but tests revealed that he had had a minor heart attack, although his condition was not life threatening.
There is also a possibility that he suffered the heart attack before discovering Sutherland's body.
The promoter was back at home today in Chislehurst, Kent, where he was being cared for by his wife.
In an earlier statement, Maloney said of the boxer's death: “It is very sad and unexpected.
“At this sad time, my thoughts are with Darren's family and I hope their privacy will be respected by the media. It is a tragedy for Ireland and the world of boxing.”
The boxer's parents, Anthony and Linda, were today travelling from their Dublin home to London.
Martin Power, secretary at St Saviour's Boxing Club in Dublin, where Sutherland started training as a teenager, told how the boxer appeared in good spirits and focused on his next fight.
Mr Power said: “He was here a few weeks ago — bright and laughing around with the young lads. He didn't seem under pressure and was glad to
be home.
“One of the boxers here drove straight over to his parents' house last night to be with them. They're shocked like we all are. He had everything in front of him.
“He could have been a world champion. He must have been in despair to do what he did, but we can't think of any reason.“
Sutherland was said to have suffered from depression after a career-threatening eye injury in 2006.
Doctors inserted a metal plate into his eye socket after a punch from a Russian amateur boxer. Sutherland could not box for six months, but was eventually given the all-clear.
Britain's Olympic middleweight champion James DeGale, who beat Sutherland in Beijing, said: “It is very, very sad news — I just can't believe it.
“It is a tragedy. My heart went to the floor when I heard. He was a brilliant fighter and he was a gentleman outside the ring as well.”
Sutherland turned pro and joined the Maloney camp after success in the middleweight division in Beijing. He made his professional debut in December.
Under Maloney's guidance, Sutherland was being fast-tracked to the top ranks of boxing's pro-circuit.
Reader views (1)
How sad is that? Condolences to his Family and friends and may he rest in peace.
- James, Manchester England, 15/09/2009 16:22
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