FAMILY and friends have been left devastated by the sudden death of a talented young boxer from Fishponds, at the age of 19.
Jude Moore grew up in Hillfields and won national titles representing Downend Boxing Club, based at the Harry Crook Centre in Moorlands Road.
Downend coach Craig Turner said everyone who knew Jude was “devastated” by his passing in Hertfordshire, where he was training with a view to turning professional.
Tributes to the teenager, who was tipped to be a future world champion, have been flooding in from those who knew him, both in the sport and at local schools.
Hertfordshire Police say Jude’s death followed a “medical episode” in Hoddesdon, where he was training. Officers are preparing a report for the coroner.
He leaves behind parents Mark and Carla, and brothers Beau and Ethan – also a talented boxer.
Jude was a National Champion at Schools level in 2017, aged 14, and Juniors in 2019.
He had represented England in European championships, boxed internationally, won a GB Three Nations championship and was Western Counties champion five times.
Craig said: “Jude was by far the best boxer to come out of Bristol for many, many years.
“He would have been a world champion – no two ways about it.
“Jude lived for his boxing. He lived and breathed it. I have never seen anyone with such an analytical mind and he could reel off the statistics of all the champions, at all the weights.
“He was outstanding at everything he did and we are devastated.
“He didn’t burn for long, but he burned very brightly for the time he did.
“He was an absolute star, irreplaceable. Once you met him, you would never forget him.”
Former world super middleweight champion Glenn Catley worked with Jude at Downend.
Glenn said: “Jude was one of the most naturally-gifted boxers ever to come out of Bristol. What he had, you can’t teach.
“But natural talent only takes you so far. He was dedicated to the sport.
“If you told him something he would absorb it like a sponge, go away and work on it.
“He was easy to train and brilliant in the ring – he had the full package.
“Without a shadow of a doubt he had everything in his tool kit to go on and be a future world champion.
“He was also humble, a good lad and one of life’s great characters – you couldn’t help but like Jude, there was no edge to him.”
Jude attended Christ Church infant and junior schools in Downend and Mangotsfield School, all of whose leaders said their thoughts were with his family and friends.
Christ Church Infants head Anna Martin said: “Many of the staff remember Jude very well, despite it being so many years since he left our school, as he had a big personality and was so much fun.
“He was a loveable little lad and was known by everyone due to his love of being in the mix when there was some fun to be had – sometimes trying his luck a little too much at times!
“It was no surprise to us to hear that he had found success as a boxer and we felt so proud hearing about his success, gained through his determination and hard work.”
Christ Church Juniors head Pippa Osborne said: “Jude is remembered for being such a caring, popular and friendly person, and we are all immensely proud of all his successes, and the dedication and determination he showed within his boxing.”
Jude’s former head of house at Mangotsfield, James Gilpin, said: “Jude was talented and charismatic and he shone throughout his time at Mangotsfield School.
“He was a prefect and, as a role model, he always looked for the positive in everything he did.
“He was a student with big dreams and a big heart, and we are devastated to hear of his loss.” Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: “His hard work and inner strength, both in sports and in drama, meant that he inspired others wherever he went.”
After leaving school Jude attended the Army Foundation College in Harrogate but an injury meant he was unable to graduate. When he recovered he began training with Hoddesdon Boxing Academy, with a view to eventually turning professional.
Hoddesdon head coach Sab Leo said Jude had “an infectious personality”, adding: “He was loved by all he came into contact with and we as a club were excited by what was to come.”
The sport’s organising body England Boxing also paid tribute to Jude, saying: “He was a popular and well-liked member of the boxing community, who often coached and gave advice to younger boxers.”
Jude’s funeral is due to take place at Bristol Cathedral on April 12, at 11am.
Craig has launched an online appeal to help Jude’s family raise money to pay for the funeral, which had raised more than £9,000 as the Voice went to print.
It can be found on the Gofundme website at bit.ly/3ZlyKxP.
A tournament which Downend Boxing Club was due to host on April 2 has now been moved to Mangotsfield School to allow more people to attend.