'The world is a poorer place today'

Tributes to Darren Sutherland: No sport is as vulnerable to hyperbole as boxing. It is the job of fighters and promoters to talk themselves up with abandon and for the assembled media to report their outrageous claims of greatness and invincibility.

The death of Darren Sutherland yesterday, however, is a tragic reminder that no-one is invincible but those who knew him spoke today of a charming, cheerful young sportsman, whom they were sure was destined for greatness.

The 27-year-old achieved more than most in his short life. He was a three-time national champion for St Saviour's ABC in north Dublin, twice European Union gold medallist, an Olympic bronze medal winner in Beijing last year and a graduate in Sports Science from DCU.

His seamless transition into the professional ranks, in the camp of London promoter Frank Maloney, who found him at his flat in Bromley yesterday, saw four wins from four and had Sutherland garnering the attention of the wider boxing public.

As good as he was in the ring, though, he will be remembered as much for his demeanour outside the ropes.

"The great thing about Darren was that he was extremely cheerful. Most people coming up to a major contest are on edge but Darren wasn't that type," said Joe Kirwan, former secretary and vice president of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) on Newstalk.

"Darren was an outgoing, gregarious individual who loved to joke, who loved to crack jokes. I would like to extend, to his father and mother, and his siblings, the sympathy of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. The world is a poorer place today without Darren Sutherland."

Kirwan’s sentiments were echoed by Kenny Egan, who roomed with his fellow Dubliner on Irish trips as they both forged stellar careers in the amateur ranks.

"I am devastated at the sudden death of Darren,” Egan, a silver medalist in Beijing, said. “He was a great athlete, a close friend and a role model for any aspiring athlete. Darren was one of the hardest working and dedicated people I ever trained alongside.

“I will always remember rooming with him on many of our international trips with the Irish team. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

John Treacy, Irish Sports Council Chief Executive, described his death as a "terrible loss for the boxing fraternity".

"And most of all it's an incredible loss for the family, the mother and father and his sisters. It's incomprehensible how they will deal with this type of issue. We'll certainly miss him."

President of the IABA, Dominic O'Rourke, revealed the devastation felt by his peers in the Irish amateur boxing scene.

"They're all in desperate shock,'' he said. "I'm totally shocked, it's unbelievable and it's a tragedy for all concerned.

"His family must be devastated, and our condolences go to them. He was such a popular young lad within the association. He talked to all the kids and they all loved him.

"He always believed he would qualify for the Olympics and would win a medal, and he achieved it. He was a star of the show.

"From a young age he thought he would be world champion. After the Olympics we hoped he would stay on in the amateurs but he said he had done what he'd done for the amateurs and wanted to go professional.''

O'Rourke believed Sutherland had the potential to achieve his world title ambitions.

"He was strong and the ability he had meant he could have (been world champion),'' added O'Rourke. "He was Darren, he had his mindset and nobody could say he couldn't do it.''

His opponents were similarly struck by his humility and good nature. Britain's James DeGale, the man who denied him bettering his bronze in Beijing and with whom a professional reunion was eagerly anticipated, said today: "It is very, very sad news - I just can't believe it.

"It is a tragedy. First and foremost, my heart goes out to his family. I just could not believe it; my heart went to the floor when I heard.

"He was a big part of my Olympic medal journey, and it is just terrible. I just do not know what to say except that he was a brilliant fighter, in fact an excellent fighter, and he was a gentleman outside the ring as well.

"He had an Olympic bronze medal, and his whole life to look forward to. He had a great future, and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him."

Former Great Britain head coach Terry Edwards was DeGale's corner that day in Beijing and remembers Sutherland’s sportsmanship in defeat as much as his ability in combat.

"He was such a respectful guy outside the ring," said Edwards today. "He had a great rivalry with James (DeGale).

"When he lost to James in the Olympic semi-final he came straight over to the corner and shook our hands and told us we'd got our tactics right, and that was the mark of the man.”