Amateur champion Jude Moore laid to rest at Bristol Cathedral
Jude Moore's younger brother Beau bravely carried his beloved older brother's champions belt
Described as one of the city’s great boxing champions, young Bristol amateur champions Jude Moore was laid to rest on Wednesday, April 12.
Bristol Cathedral was packed with family and friends, including many from the boxing community, who all came to pay their last respects to the 19-year-old who was tragically found dead last month.
The two-time national amateur champion was seen as one of the most exciting young prospects in Britain and, at the start of his funeral, a champion's belt was laid on his coffin in recognition of his incredible talent and acheivements.
His two brothers each paid a poignant tribute to Jude, with younger sibling Beau reading out the Boxer’s Prayer and Ethan recalling their special times together.
Speaking outside ahead of the funeral, his former coach, Craig Turner lovingly paid tribute: “Jude was just loved, not as a champion but as a person. He was an immaculate soul. He would talk to anyone, he was just an amazing force of nature. He’s secured his place in the champions that come from Bristol.”
Former Bristol boxers, WBC super-middleweight world champion Glenn Catley and Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion Ashley Lane also attended the funeral. Mr Lane described the loss of Jude as “devastating”. He said: “Jude had something about him. He was amazing. At 19 years old to leave this world is devastating.”
When the funeral procession arrived and the coffin was being carried into the cathedral, the sky darkened and rain began to descend, which echoed the lamentable mood of the day. Mourners made their way into the church, which also included all the young boxers from Downend Boxing Club.
Opening the funeral service, boxing trainer Craig Turner spoke about the impression Jude had made when he first walked into the boxing gym in Fishponds when he was only 10 years old. He said: “Never in my 30 years of boxing had I seen such precocious talent. He was one of the city’s and nation’s great champions.”
The Reverend Canon Nicola Stanley gave the address, commendation and blessing. The final song was 'Sweet Caroline’, which was Jude’s favoured ringwalk song, often used in boxing events to get the crowds going.
Jude grew up in Bristol and had left his home to train at Hoddesdon Boxing Academy in Hertfordshire under the management of Sab Leo. In a statement on the club’s Facebook page, the academy said they were deeply saddened at his passing and added: “(He was) loved by all he came into contact with and we as a club were excited by what was to come. Love to you Jude and family.”
England Boxing confirmed that the 19-year-old was a two-time National Champion (Schools 2017 and Juniors 2019), as well as representing the Three Lions at the EUBC Junior European Championships in Romania in 2017. He was also a GB Three Nations champion and a Western Counties champion on five occasions.
A fundraiser set up to help cover his funeral costs raised more than £10,000 in his memory.
BBN would like to express their sincere, heartfelt condolences to Jude's family and friends at this extremely sad and difficult time.
Article sponsored by HÖRFA
