TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented young boxer who has died suddenly at the age of 19.
Jude Moore attended Christ Church infant and junior schools in Downend and Mangotsfield School.
He won national titles representing Downend Boxing Club, based at the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds.
Jude grew up in Hillfields, and Downend coach Craig Turner said everyone who knew him had been left “devastated” by his passing in Hertfordshire, where he was training with a view to turning professional.
The teenager had been tipped to be a future world champion, and a tournament in his memory was held at Mangotsfield School in April.
Hertfordshire Police say Jude’s death on March 17 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 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.
“He was an absolute star – irreplaceable. Once you met him, you would never forget him.”
Former WBC 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.”
Jude’s funeral on April 12 at Bristol Cathedral was packed with those who knew and loved him – friends, family and figures from the sport.
As a tribute to the title he never lived to contest, Craig ended a eulogy to Jude by announcing him as a world champion, with the congregation bursting into applause.
Christ Church Infants head teacher 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.
Craig launched an online appeal to help Jude’s family raise money to pay for the funeral, which raised more than £10,000
Tournament tribute at Mangotsfield School
MORE than 250 people came Jude Moore’s old school for a memorial boxing tournament.
Silence descended on Mangotsfield’s sports hall as the sport’s Western Counties regional secretary Mike Hemming rang the ten-bells salute which has been rung at tournaments across the country in Jude’s memory. It was followed by applause and emotional scenes, as those present sang along to The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’
There was a great reception at the event on April 2 for Jude’s brother Ethan, a former double National champion and junior European silver medallist, before 14 bouts and four skills contests were staged between Downend Boxing Club members and contenders from clubs around the West of England and Wales.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees and former WBC World super middleweight champion Glenn Catley, who boxed each other twice many years ago, were on hand to present the prizes and watched their sons, Caleb Rees and Riley Catley, both take wins.
Downend coach Craig Turner said: “Mangotsfield School were quite simply outstanding in supporting us to put the event together, and we are hugely grateful. We are just amazed by the support and generosity from the clubs of the Western Counties, Hoddesdon and County Wexford.”