Tributes have been paid to young Bristol boxer Jude Moore, who was seen by many as a ‘future world champion’. The 19-year-old, who grew up in the city where he joined the Downend Boxing Gym in Fishponds aged 10, died tragically.
His former coach, Craig Turner from Downed Boxing Club described him as: “An absolute star, he was irreplaceable. Once you met him, you would never forget him.
“He was one of those kids who was forever young and was just not meant to get old. One of my favourite memories was when he was called up as a last-minute replacement to box for England against a boxer from the USA who had been unbeaten in 200 bouts.
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“He puffed out his chest, walked out to ‘Sweet Caroline’ and beat him. The fact that he came from one of the most deprived wards in Great Britain to do what he did and achieved what he did is nothing short of amazing. Downend Boxing Club exists for people like him.
“I think he was the most talented kid I have seen come out of Bristol. Jude lived for his boxing. He lived and breathed it. I have never seen anyone with such an analytical mind and he could real off the statistics of all the champions at all the weights.
“He was outstanding at everything he did and we are devastated. He didn’t burn for long, but he burned very brightly for the time he did,” said Craig.
Hoddesdon Boxing Academy in Hertfordshire where Jude trained gave a statement on its Facebook page. Head coach Sab Leo said: “It is with a heavy heart that we as a club are deeply saddened with the sudden passing of our amateur boxer Jude Moore.
“He was 19 years old with an infectious personality and he was a truly valuable asset to us from helping the club with coaching the babies boxing classes and the adults keep fit classes. He was loved by all he came into contact with and we as a club were excited by what was to come. Love to you Jude and family.”
The two-time national champion was due to compete in Italy this week. The young boxer left Bristol to train at Hoddesdon under Seb's management.
Jude was a two-time National Champion (Schools 2017 and Juniors 2019), as well as representing the Three Lions at the EUBC Junior European Championships in Romania in 2017. He was also a GB Three Nations champion and also Western Counties champion on no less than five occasions.
A Go Fund Me page been set up by Craig in memory of Jude has already raised close to £7,000.
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