Cash floods in for tragic Ripley boxer Ed Bilbey

Talented boxer, Ed Bilbey, collapsed in the ring after the bout at The Post Mill Centre at South Normanton last Friday (March 24).

The 17-year-old was part of Somercotes Elite Boxing Academy, based at Shinfield’s Gym.

Trainer Mike Shinfield, of Shinfield’s Gym, said: “He was a tremendous lad.

“He was not a drinker and he was a non-smoker.

“He was 100 per cent fit and everyone looked up to him at the gym.”

He added: “He had a very, very bright future ahead of him.

“It was almost certain he would become a professional.”

Ed was boxing for the East Midlands Youth Welterweight Belt against a youth called Tyler Rivers.

A head coach at Mr Rivers’ boxing academy - Earl Shilton Boxing - has said everyone at the academy is ‘devastated’.

The teens are said to have known each other a while on the boxing circuit and were friends outside of the ring.

Mr Rivers has also changed his Facebook profile picture to an image of Ed.

The sport’s governing body, England Boxing, confirmed it had sanctioned the event.

A statement read: “We are extremely saddened by this and would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person involved in this terrible and shocking incident.

“The Board of England Boxing has set-up an investigation to establish the facts of what happened and will provide an update when we know more.

“We are also asking all of the England Boxing coaches, officials and volunteers that were present on the night to co-operate with the police investigation and assist the authorities in any way they can.”

Following Ed’s tragic death, two fundraising pages have been launched for the Nottingham Forest football supporter.

One page set up by a woman called Cassie Haywood, which has already received more than £1,000 in donations, says: “Ed was an incredible young man and a promising boxer, he was loved by many and those that knew him will remember Ed as a kind, respectful, caring young man.”

The other page, launched by a man called Adrian Corssen, says: “He was a fantastic lad inside and out of the ring, a gent to all and with a great sense of humour a good laugh too.

“He loved his boxing and the gym was his second home, training every moment he could and that showed in his boxing.”

Dozens of messages were left on the Ripley and Heanor Facebook page paying tribute to Ed.

Dale Archer wrote: “Tragic news! Thoughts with all the family and friends. Such a great lad.”

Zoe Bickley posted: “He was a lovely lad and will be missed by all friends and family.”

Leonna Key posted: “Heartbreaking x thoughts are with his mum and family and friends xx.”

A Derbyshire police spokesman said: “The young man had been given medical treatment by professional medics at the match, which was continued by paramedics, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at King’s Mill Hospital.

“A post mortem examination, to determine the cause of his death, and a formal identification will take place in the next few days.

“We’re investigating on behalf of the coroner.

“At this stage there don’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding this death but if you were at the tournament and have any footage of the bout or information that might help, please contact Detective Sergeant Debbie Yoxall on 101, quoting incident number 1162 of March 24.”

Boxing England is providing support to people who may have been affected. Call 07515 597077 or email [email protected].