Darren Sutherland's promoter Frank Maloney is currently in hospital suffering from shock, and with good reason. Yesterday afternoon, he found one of his hottest prospects hung in his own flat.
Sutherland Commits Suicide
This suicide has caused widespread distress and unrest in the boxing world. Hatton Promotions' Micky Cantwell called the events of September 14th a 'tragedy', and he is exactly right.
Sutherland seemed to have the world at his feet. After winning a bronze medal at the Olympics in Beijing, Sutherland looked to be making an excellent transition to the world of professional boxing. His style seemed to suit the pros more, and many predicted that he was destined for world titles. He was 4-0 in the pro ranks before his untimely death.
By all accounts, Sutherland was a chirpy character outside the ring too. He was always approachable with fans, and was known as one of the nice guys of the sport.
So Why Did Sutherland Commit Suicide?
This is the question that many, including those close to him are finding it hard to find an answer to. In Ron Lewis' blog about the subject, he suggests that Sutherland went through a depression a couple of years ago due to an eye injury, but no one knows for sure why he has commited this act, and even a depression wouldn't usually lead to such drastic actions.
Sutherland was even seen last Friday night at the Tyson Fury vs. John McDermott fight. He was according to several people at the event in good spirits, and no one thought even for a moment at this point in time that less than a week later, Sutherland would have killed himself.
The Reaction In The Boxing Industry
Widespread shock is the only way to describe the reaction inside the sport. 'Chunky' James DeGale who defaeated Sutherland in the Olympics stated that his "heart went to the floor when he heard" and also donned Sutherland a 'gentleman'.
The Irishman's promoter Frank Maloney firmly believed that Sutherland would be a world champion, and as mentioned is now in hospital after a minor heart attack. It has been a torrid week for him as not only did John McDermott very controversially lose against Tyson Fury, but this has happened.
Darren Sutherland Was An Excellent Prospect
Many strongly believed that Sutherland was destined for greatness. While we will never know how far he could have gone, it is safe to assume that he would have been an excellent ambassador for the sport of boxing, and he will be sorely missed.
RIP Darren Sutherland 1982-2009
To watch all four of Darren Sutherland's professional fights, click here.
