Richard Evatt, a former title contender at both featherweight
and super-featherweight, has been found dead at a shelter for the
homeless in his home city of Coventry.
Aged just 38, he collapsed at the Salvation Army hostel in
Hillfields last night.
During his time in the ring, Evatt was as ferocious as his
"Tiger" nickname and soon earned a reputation as one the sport's
biggest punchers.
In 1999 he challenged top class American Junior Jones for the
IBO featherweight title and a later that he year lost out in a
Commonwealth super-featherweight title tilt against Mick
O'Malley.
Neil Simpson, the former British and Commonwealth
light-heavyweight champion, told the Coventry Evening Telegraph:
"Richard had dynamite in his fists.
"He had so much power for a small fella. It was unbelievable. I
had never seen anything like it.
"I feel for his family. It's such a shame.
He added: "Junior Jones was a top American known throughout the
world. Richard was winning the fight, then got caught. I think his
career suffered after that."
Evatt retired in 2002 with a 20 - 5 (14 KOs) record.
Everyone at Hatton Promotions sends their condolences to his
friends and family.
17/07/2012 23:31:29