Ricky Hatton today paid tribute to former Olympian Darren Sutherland following the Dubliner’s tragic death earlier this week. Sutherland was found in his London flat by promoter Frank Maloney on Monday.
The 27-year-old had turned professional last year after securing a bronze medal in the middleweight division at the Beijing Games. Having made an unbeaten start to his career as a professional, Sutherland had already attracted plenty of admirers due to his aggressive and exciting fighting style.
And former two-weight world champion Hatton joined those who have paid tribute to the Irishman.
Hatton said: “It’s absolutely tragic. I was following Darren’s career with great interest. I think out of all the Olympic guys he was one of the best.
“All of the Olympic boys have looked sensational but he had a little bit of class, he was very exciting and stood out. He had a very good professional style.
“It’s tragic and a sad, sad loss for boxing and more importantly a sad loss for his family and friends.”
Hatton added: “The only words that can sum it up are ‘absolutely tragic’ and my heart goes out to his family.”
Maloney remains in hospital after undergoing an operation yesterday following a heart attack.
Maloney was initially admitted on Monday night suffering from shock after discovering the Sutherland’s body.
Subsequent tests revealed the promoter had suffered a heart attack. It is now thought the attack happened at ringside in Brentwood on Friday night, after Maloney watched his fighter John McDermott suffer a controversial points defeat to Tyson Fury.