London - Irish boxer Darren Sutherland has been found hanged in his London apartment after apparently committing suicide. The 27-year-old, who won middleweight bronze at last year's Olympic Games in Beijing, was found Monday by his promoter Frank Maloney at his flat in Bromley.
"It is very sad and unexpected. At this sad time my thoughts are with Darren9s family and I hope their privacy at this very difficult time will be respected by the media," said Maloney in a statement.
"It is a tragedy for Ireland and the world of boxing."
Sutherland also won three national senior titles and two EU gold medals and had won his four fights since turning professional last December.
Olympic middleweight champion James DeGale, who defeated Sutherland in Beijing, said he was devastated by the news.
"It is a tragedy. First and foremost, my heart goes out to his family. I just could not believe it. My heart went to the floor when I heard," he said.
"He had an Olympic bronze medal, and his whole life to look forward to. He had a great future, and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him."
