Tributes paid to former boxer Shaun Cummins

The boxing world was rocked as news circulated of the death of the former British champion boxer Shaun Cummins.

Mr Cummins' body was found at his house in Saffron Lane, Leicester, on Wednesday. A 28-year-old man has been charged with his murder and is due to appear in court this morning. (Saturday, September 15)

Yesterday, Leicester's boxing community paid tribute to Mr Cummins.

Paul Clifton, coach at Belgrave Amateur Boxing Club, boxed with Shaun – nicknamed The Guvnor – in the early 1980s, when they were both amateurs.

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He said: "He was a nice chap and a talented boxer. We boxed together years ago for Belgrave and he did really well – he went professional and got a couple of titles, which he deserved.

"The news is hard to believe, to be honest."

Leicester's "Boxing Binman", Rendall Munroe, said yesterday: "I think I was still amateur when Shaun retired, so I never really got to know him on the professional circuit.

"But boxing is a close family, and it's a sad loss to the boxing world when anyone dies.

"There are lots of people who remember him and I know he'll be missed."

Shaun also trained at the Uppingham Hotel gym in the early 1990s with coach Carl Gunns.

Carl, who now runs a gym in Blaby, said: "It's a sad ending for a guy who had a lot of potential. I remember telling him off one day for having a couple of ladies in the gym who were playing loud music – that was Shaun – but I got on very well with him. It's a big loss."

Leicester Mercury boxing writer Matt Bozeat spoke to Shaun's former coach, Neil Tomlinson, following the news.

"He told me Shaun had the ability to win the British and European titles at least," said Matt.

"I'd say Shaun was a ferocious fighter and on his day he was a match for anyone in Europe."

Mr Cummins, who retired in 1995 with a record of 22 wins, six defeats and a draw, was seriously injured in a motorbike accident in 2004.

The crash, on the A6 in Birstall, left him bedridden, with no feeling from the chest down.

Coaches from the Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Club, in Braunstone, agreed that the fighter could have gone all the way and fought for a world title.

Che Lynch said: "He was a fairly handy bloke and knew what he was doing in a boxing ring.

"He used to come down and train in the late '80s, when he first turned pro. I don't think he ever fought for the world title, but he'd have been good enough if he was given a shot."

Police cordons remained in place at the house yesterday.

A bouquet left outside bore a card which read: "Rest in peace Shaun. So sad. From Tina and Ady."