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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