'Strong swimmer' Cameron Shaw drowns in Australia
Champion boxer Cam Shaw tragically dies when visiting one of the seven wonders of the world
Unbeaten British prospect, Cam Shaw (4-0), has sadly passed away at the age of 25 following a tragic snorkelling accident in Australia.
From York, the young boxer drowned while snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns with his girlfriend. The local authorities are not treating the death as suspicious as they undergo investigations.
He was described by his father, Rod Shaw, as a "strong swimmer".
Rod was quoted in the York Press saying, "We don't know exactly what happened, but we know that Cam had drowned and the investigation is ongoing.
"He was a strong swimmer. I taught him to swim at Water World in York when he was aged two and a half, and he reached up to nine out of a possible 11 levels.
"He was a fitlad. He was a professional boxer and fought four fights. He won them all, but then COVID struck and he had to put it to one side.
"He went on to become a fully qualified ski instructor in Switzerlandand he had just spent a season in New Zealand and he wanted to see one of the seven wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef.
"Cam excelled at everything he did and we didn't realise how popular he was until now. We have been blown away. We just knew he was gregarious, helpful and convival guy; he threw his all into everything he did."
A spokesperson for the Queensland police has stated that investigations into Cam's death are underway but it is believed to be non-suspicious.
Shaw was an ABA Elite champion (60kg) in 2018 and also won gold at the prestigious Hivdovre Box Cup in Denmark in 2017.
He turned pro in 2019 and won his debut against Edward Bjorklund 40-36 on points in Rotherham on a Stefy Bull Promotions show which saw Terri Harper crowned world champion for the first time in her career in the main event.
Remarkably, Cam fought four times in four months, cramming in four fights between July 2019 and November 2019, winning them all on points.
Tributes poured in for the respected, much loved young man.
Billy Wilson, head coach at York Boxing Club where Cam trained, said: “I knew Cam very well and it's a huge shock. Nobody expects anybody to die at the age of 25. He was a vibrant kid, full of beans, always joking and laughing, he was a good lad, a hard worker and lived his life to the fullest.”
Glenn Banks was his former professional boxing coach, who also worked with Cam at Portakabin, said: “A great lad, a character, who always had a smile on his face. Such a young lad with his whole life ahead of him. My thoughts are 100 per cent with his family.”
Fellow boxer Harry Matthews said: “Absolutely gutted to hear the news of one of my former gym mates passing away I am deeply saddened as this man offered many laughs and always brought such good energy. Why do the good ones get taken early? Let’s remember what a talent and great person this guy was. Rest in Peace my friend.”
Boxing announcer, Phil Seymour, who announced Cam’s debut fight said: “Heard today that York boxer Cam Shaw (4-0) has sadly died over in Cairns, Australia. His boxing career had stalled since 2019, with Cam becoming a ski instructor. He was a lovely lad, very talented with a superb amateur career, but even more so a great attitude to life. RIP.”
BBN would like to express their sincere condolences to all Cam's family and friends at this very difficult time.
