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'Abandonded' Irish boxer Darren Sutherland was booked in for therapy session

Trainer says Sutherland was struggling with depression and wanted to quit boxing

By
PADDY KELLY
,
IrishCentral.com Staff Writer
Published Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 10:34 AM
Updated Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 11:21 AM
Read more: Darren Sutherland


Darren Sutherland had been on the verge of giving up boxing, saying that he felt adrift in the boxing world
Darren Sutherland had been on the verge of giving up boxing, saying that he felt adrift in the boxing world

Tragic Irish boxer Darren Sutherland was supposed to see a top psychologist the same day he was found dead in London.

The 27-year-old Olympic star had been on the verge of giving up boxing, saying that he felt adrift in the boxing world.

His trainer, Brian Lawrence, said that Sutherland had  "poured his heart out" just 10 days ago over his fears for his future.

Sutherland was talking about walking away from boxing, despite his success in turning professional since he won bronze in last year's Olympics.

Trainer Brian Lawrence told the Irish Independent that promoter Frank Maloney - who found Sutherland's body - had organized a therapy session for Darren with a top sports psychologist on Monday night.

Tragically, Sutherland was found dead just hours before the session should have taken place.

His devastated parents Tony and Linda, and younger sisters Nicole (20) and Shaneika (18), are grieving at the family home in Navan, Co Meath yesterday.

Lawrence told the Irish Independent: "The Friday before last he came into the gym and after training he poured his heart out to me, telling me that he's lost his confidence, and all these kind of things.

"He said he was really down, felt that he wanted to pack up boxing. This was the first time I'd heard anything about any of this from him. But I've heard about depression since then."

Lawrence said he started to get seriously concerned after Sutherland failed to attend a workout Monday morning

"I left messages on his phone, and eventually Frank and the other trainer went around to his house."

Maloney has since suffered a heart attack but is expected to make a full recovery.

Speaking in June, Sutherland had admitted that professional boxing was tough.

"It seems like I'm in one continuous training camp in London," he said. "Being away from home is very tough but this is a tough business and I know I have to make sacrifices to do well."

Sutherland - who last fought in June - was advised to take some time off after that fight, but he returned within a week.

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