Sutherland - A Tribute to a Budding Star
Published September 16, 2009 by Boxing Capital
Numb, stunned, shocked and in disbelief were just some of the awful emotions I experienced when hearing that Olympic bronze medallist and professional boxing prospect, Darren Sutherland, had been found dead in his home on Tuesday 14th September 2009.
As with all reports of death, initial details were scarce. 48 hours on, whilst I am not in possession of the full details, the situation is clear – Darren Sutherland committed suicide. Sutherland was found hanging in his home in Bromley, Kent by his manager Frank Maloney.
The Cause of Death Becomes Clear
Finding out that Darren Sutherland had committed suicide left me dumbstruck. Barring some sort of personal tragedy that was not public knowledge, I simply could not understand, nor accept, why such a talented and successful individual would commit suicide.
Riding high from his exploits in winning bronze at last summer’s Beijing Olympics, Sutherland had turned professional, winning all 4 contests to date by knockout (including his debut in his hometown of Dublin) and seemed set for a big future.
A World Champion of the Future
I must confess I was one of his biggest fans. I did not know Darren personally, but I have followed his progress as both an amateur and professional closely. I’ve constantly said to anyone who will listen to me, that Sutherland was THE amateur talent to sign at last year’s Olympic Games.
Darren’s style of strong, intelligent aggression looked like it would lend itself perfectly to Professional boxing. I genuinely felt we had a future world champion on our hands – and no, that’s not me saying that out of respect now he’s dead, it really was my genuine belief. For those that know me, they’ll realise that’s a statement I truly mean; after all, I was cynical when Heath Ledger died and all were calling for him to receive a posthumous Oscar, I couldn’t help but think it was a well meaning sympathy vote. Then I saw the film and WOW, I realised that Heath Ledger deserved that Oscar badly.
Why Did Darren Do It?
As ever, there has been much speculation over what would have made Sutherland commit suicide, especially online. I try not to buy into too many of these so called ‘rumours’ and never wish to start one, but there are only two possibilities for me.
The first is a personal, private tragedy as I’ve alluded to above. Perhaps there have been serious problems with a family member or a girlfriend? Who knows, if it’s true, we may hear about it from his family/friends at a later date.
The second theory seems more likely to me – health issues. Three years ago, when still an amateur, Sutherland suffered a serious eye injury that kept him out of the ring for six months – some doctors even told Sutherland he would never box again. Sutherland was said to have been understandably dejected at the news, which at the time would have ended his Olympic dream, falling into depression at this time. As it turned out, Sutherland was passed fit to box again six months later and his sparkling career resumed.
Is an eye injury the reason for Sutherlands Suicide?
So, could it be that Sutherland has suffered a recurrence of this serious eye injury, meaning his glittering future in a boxing ring was being snatched away from him prematurely? It really does seem the only explanation that makes sense right now and if so, it saddens me even more, as it shows how much Sutherland was dedicated to a sport he performed with the highest degree of skill.
2009 – Boxing’s Year of Mourning
It’s been a bad year for boxing so far with the deaths of legends such as Alexis Arguello, Arturo Gatti and world champion Vernon Forrest. Each of those deaths have occurred in sad and tragic circumstances, but, for me at least, none more sadder than Sutherland’s.
Arguello, Forrest and Gatti at least all got to show their true talent, winning world titles and dazzling the boxing world.
Sadly Darren Sutherland never got the chance. Whilst some of the boxing world may never know what it has missed, I am convinced we are saying goodbye to a future world champion and Irish boxing legend.
Rest in peace Darren Sutherland: 18 April 1982 – 14 September 2009
There are currently 6 comments on this article.
Added: Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Darren the boxing world will miss you sorely my friend. Rest in peace forever.
—Darragh
Added: Thursday, 17 September 2009
I refuse to believe hed take his own life due to an eye injury. I hope to god this is pure rumour. Ray Leonard came back from an eye injury and beat unstoppable Marvin Hagler. Unless this is the pressure these boxers are put under that its all or nothing but just wont accept this until proven so. RIP Darren. Ireland will never forget you!
—Paul
Added: Thursday, 17 September 2009
Rest in peace darren. he was a top man and a top fighter, sad to hear of him passing away like that.
—Qais Ashfaq
Added: Thursday, 17 September 2009
rest in peace darren deepest sympath to family friends and frank in these sad circustances there will always be that question why and its very very hard on family and friends just wanted you all to know how sorry i am lucy cope
—lucy cope
Added: Thursday, 17 September 2009
rest in peace danny deepest sympathy to famil and friends
—lucy cope
Added: Thursday, 17 September 2009
A tragic and sad story about the up and coming boxer. My condolences to his family.
—Mark Gray