Tributes pour in from the boxing world for Stefan Sanderson
Sad news broke early on Tuesday, June 23, that former Scottish Area champion Stefan Sanderson (5-1) had passed away, aged just 31.
Cause of death has not yet been announced, but boxing friends of Stefan's have been urging others to speak up and seek help if suffering.
Manager Sam Kynoch led the tributes with: "RIP Stefan Sanderson. Stefan was a valued member of our team at Kynoch Boxing and I really enjoyed working with him and getting to know him over the years. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
Scotland's first female world champion Hannah Rankin shared a heartfelt message: "RIP to Scottish Super Welterweight champ and @KynochBoxing stablemate Stefan Sanderson. Another life gone too soon."
Scottish trainer Billy Nelson contributed with: "Woke up to sad news this morning of the passing of Stefan Sanderson a young Scottish boxer. RIP Wee Man."
Head of MTK Global, Danny Vaughan, said: "Sad news to wake up to of the passing of Stefan Sanderson today. RIP mate."
New York-based professional boxer Chris Glover added: "Devastated to hear about the passing of Stefan Sanderson. Had some good laughs over the years. Taken far too young. Sleep tight mate."
Boxing writer Craig Scott said of a photo he took on Twitter: "Really sad to hear about Stefan Sanderson from those close to him this evening. I took this picture when he captured the Scottish title, beating Dundee's Paul Kean a couple of years ago. Just look at how much it meant (to both men). That's passion. Rest easy, man."
A product of the Dennistoun McNair Gym, Paisley-born Sanderson was trained by Scottish boxing legend Paul Weir in Dubai and signed to MTK Global.
Management company MTK recruited the talented welterweight in August 2017 after he had defeated local rival Craig Kelly in his second professional contest to win the British Chalenge super lightweight belt. It was Kelly's 19th pro contest, but he was dropped late in the sixth round of the scheduled eight-round bout and couldn't continue.
The southpaw from Johnstone, Scotland, won the Scottish Area super-welterweight title in just his fifth fight with 96-94 points win over unbeaten Paul Kean (8-0) in September 2018. The same title was formerly held by the late Mike Towell in 2014, who tragically died in the ring in 2016.
His last fight ended as a mixed decision defeat to Ireland's Jay Byrne (8-6) for the Celtic super welterweight title in March 2019. Stefan had failed to make weight so was ineligible to win the belt anyway.
The talented puncher was also a successful amateur having only lost once in three years.
In his personal life, he was a big fan and owner of dogs and even had two tattoed prominently across his chest, alongside a giant pair of boxing gloves.
BBN would like to take this time to offer the deepest condolences to Stefan's family and friends at this difficult time.
If you are suffering with your mental health, please call 116 123 for someone to talk to.
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Highlights of Sanderson in action against Kean: