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Steve Lillis

The funeral of Dean Powell, a great friend and colleague of everybody at BoxNation and matchmaker for Frank Warren takes place this afternoon in Greenwich.

Here is a tribute to Dean by Steve Lillis, his friend for more than 20 years.

He never had a bad bone in his body and passed away too young at 46.

His generosity and loyalty to friends, family and those he worked with had no boundaries.

I experienced this at first hand. Myself and Dean were big fans of the underground music scene

Often Dean would discover a specialist record shop, see a 7 inch single and think of me.

An enthusiastic phone call would follow, and within days a shiny piece of black vinyl would drop on the door mat.

He never asked for a penny because all he wanted to do was put a smile on peoples’ faces.

It might seem a small thing to do and something he may have forgotten about, but something others never would.

He would always think of others whatever working deadlines he was having to meet.

We’d speak most days and he always asked how my two daughters were, especially my youngest, Hannah who he called ‘Little Liam’ because of her broad Mancunian accent .

He was a close friend for 20 years and although our boxing, football and music chats are no more, I am lucky to be able to smile at the great memories I have and the times we shared.

We were last together at the WBO convention in Budapest three weeks ago and although it was a flying 36 hour visit the memories will last.

Dean was on great form teasing Kalle Sauerland’s musical taste, and after a meal we talked about his grandkids and my two daughters.

We last like spoke five days before he tragically passed and arranged a night out at a music exhibition.

But, the main purpose of calling was to wish me a safe flight when I travelled to Las Vegas for Mayweather-Alvarez.

As for Dean’s boxing knowledge, he had forgotten more than what most people in the sport know and made his mark as a matchmaker, manager and trainer.

He was trusted by all. During 25 years helping shape British boxing he worked with the likes of Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe, Lloyd Honeyghan, Amir Khan and Lennox Lewis.

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Dean had told me his first boxing memory was watching the Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman on a black and white TV at home in Wolverhampton.

He might have only been 10-years-old, but when he saw Sugar Ray Leonard win gold at the 1976 Olympics he was hooked.

Pat Cowdell who he often watched in Black Country boxing arenas and Charlie Magri were his favourite British boxers as a kid.

Back in 1988, Dean knew his future belonged in professional boxing and he moved to London.

It was never going easy for him to  make that break. For six months he slept on the floor at the Thomas a Becket gym on the Old Kent Road, paying his rent by sweeping the floor.

The South-East London gym was a college of knowledge where plenty could be learnt by listening and keeping your lip zipped.

Dean then started working at the Royal Oak gym in Canning Town, serving his apprenticeship under legendary trainer Terry Lawless and Jimmy Tibbs,

He then worked at the offices of Mickey Duff in London’s Wardour Street before being taken on as matchmaker for Frank Maloney and Panos Eliades.

Dean was 24/7 a trait he picked up from Duff, who told him, “It’s not always about ability, it’s about availability.’

Ten years ago, he joined Frank Warren’s organisation replacing another British boxing icon, matchmaker Ernie Fossey.

Dean was responsible for helping make many of Britain’s finest world champions during his time with Warren including Ricky Burns, Calzaghe, Nathan Cleverly and Ricky Hatton.

They say nobody is irreplaceable, but Warren and his staff may well disagree.

Whether it was making matches, wrapping hands, or being a friendly voice at the other end of a phone to boxers, managers, trainers, matchmakers or journalists Dean was the man.

He doted on grandsons Harry, Joey, Billy who he would take to most Charlton Athletic homes games.

During one of our chats earlier this month he was speaking with pride that one of the kids called him from an Ibiza holiday moaning he was there and not going to The Valley with granddad

His parents, partner Lisa and the boys have lost a special, special person.

We will miss you my mate.

http://www.boxnation.com/boxing-news/a-tribute-to-dean-powell/

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Helping hand: Powell (left) is seen here with Ricky Burns (centre) and Billy Nelson after Burns beat Andreas Evensen for the WBO super-featherweight belt in 2010

 

By Riath Al-Samarrai and Jeff Powell –

The boxing community was in mourning on Tuesday evening after the shock death of Dean Powell.

The 47-year-old, who spent 25 years in the sport as a trainer, cornerman and matchmaker for Frank Warren, worked with some of the British greats, including Joe Calzaghe, Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn and Amir Khan.

Frank Warren announced the tragic news via a statement last night. It read: ‘All of us are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our very close friend and colleague, Dean Powell.

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Involved: The 47-year-old spent 25 years as a trainer, cornerman and matchmaker for Frank Warren

‘Dean was a valued and popular member of our team and within the sport of boxing.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones for their tragic loss.’

The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. A spokesman for Warren declined to comment.

Figures from the world of boxing paid tribute to Powell on Twitter.

Calzaghe said: ‘Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dean Powell. Was in my corner for many of my big fights. RIP Dean x.’

A post from Barry McGuigan read: ‘Shocking news about Dean Powell, God rest his soul. RIP.’

Former Olympic champion James DeGale said: ‘Shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of Dean Powell. A sad loss to British boxing. RIP x.’

Schaefer also expressed shock and sympathy at the sudden death yesterday of Dean Powell, fellow promoter Frank Warren’s top match-maker and a much-loved figure in world boxing.

Affer calling Warren he said: ‘This is tragic news.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2416995/Dean-Powell-dies-Joe-Calzaghe-boxing-world-pay-tribute.html

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47-year-old passed away on Tuesday

The boxing world has expressed its shock and sadness at the death of Dean Powell.

Powell, who died aged 47 on Tuesday, had been in the sport for 25 years, as trainer, cornerman and matchmaker. His death is not believed to be suspicious.

“All of us are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our very close friend and colleague, Dean Powell,” read a statement from Frank Warren promotions, who he most recently worked for.

“Dean was a valued and popular member of our team and within the sport of boxing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones for their tragic loss.”

British boxers past and present, many of whom worked with Powell, have paid tribute.

Amir Khan

Sorry to hear the loss of Dean Powell. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was close to team khan and trained me for 2 fights. You will be missed.

Ricky Burns

Cant believe what I heard bout @DeanPowell66 was speaking 2 him yesterday.some great nites with him in my corner. Thoughts r with his family

Lennox Lewis

RIP Dean Powell! #GoneTooSoon

Joe Calzaghe

Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dean Powell. Was in my corner for many of my big fights. RIP Dean x

Ricky Hatton

Just found out the tragic news that Dean Powell sadly passed away. My thoughts are with his family.a great man & boxing will miss him.

Billy Joe Saunders

Sad times for the boxing world lost a true Professional and hard working man in @DeanPowell66 will be missed #rip x

Anthony Ogogo

Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Dean Powell. Boxing has lost a great guy. RIP my friend.

Dereck Chisora

Rest in peace Dean Boxing will miss you

James DeGale

Shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of Dean Powell. A sad loss to British boxing. RIP x

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-world-pays-tribute-to-trainer-cornerman-and-matchmaker-dean-powell-8809738.html