Boxing world in mourning as Black Country trainer Dean Powell dies at 47

Fighters, promoters and all those involved in the sport have paid tribute to the 47-year-old who spent 25 years in the sport.

The matchmaker, who has worked with some of the nation's greatest fighters including Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe and Chris Eubank, started his career in Dudley and Tipton training at the local amateur boxing gyms, before moving to London.

In the 1980s he taught at both Tipton and Thorns Amateur Boxing Clubs, and also helped out at Dudley where he trained former English middleweight champion Darren McDermott, from Tipton.

Mr McDermott said: "I can't believe it, it has come as a bit of a shock.

"When I first started boxing at eight-years-old in Dudley, Dean was there then, training me in 1986, so I've known him all my life.

"He used to give me tracksuits and different things like that.

"Dean then moved to London and started to learn his trade down there, working with the likes of Nigel Benn, Eubank, everyone - he travelled all over the world and worked with some of the best.

"When I turned professional I signed up with Dean, and did 22 fights with him.

"He was a good bloke, bang on, one of the best."

Mr Powell recently worked for promoter Frank Warren, whose company Queensberry Promotions confirmed the news yesterday.

"All of us are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our very close friend and colleague, Dean Powell," a statement from the firm said.

"Dean was a valued and popular member of our team and within the sport of boxing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones for their tragic loss."

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

A host of famous names also took to social network site Twitter after hearing the news yesterday.

Joe Calzaghe tweeted:

International Boxing Hall of Fame member Barry McGuigan wrote:

Meanwhile Haroon Khan, boxer and brother of Amir Khan, added:

Leave your tributes to Dean Powell in the comments below: