Shellshocked manager leads tributes after Sanderson’s sudden death in Middle East
ONE of Scotland’s top boxers has died suddenly in Dubai, aged just 31.
Former Scottish champion Stefan Sanderson passed away earlier this week in the United Arab Emirates, where he had been training.
It is understood he was in the Middle East working under the guidance of Scottish boxing legend Paul Weir.
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said last night: “We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in the United Arab Emirates and are in contact with the Emirati authorities.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”
Stefan’s shellshocked manager, Sam Kynoch, led the tributes from some of Scotland’s boxing royalty, saying: “RIP Stefan Sanderson. He was a valued member of our team at Kynoch Boxing and I really enjoyed working with him and getting to know him over the years.
“He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Scotland’s first female world champion, Hannah Rankin, wrote: “RIP to Scottish Super Welterweight champ and @KynochBoxing
BY JAMES MONCUR and JANE HAMILTON stablemate Stefan Sanderson. Another life gone too soon.”
Trainer Billy Nelson added: “Woke up to sad news this morning of the passing of Stefan Sanderson, a young Scottish boxer. RIP Wee Man.”
Management company MTK signed Paisley-born Stefan in 2017 after the welterweight defeated local rival Craig Kelly in his second professional contest to win the British super-lightweight belt.
Southpaw Stefan, from Johnstone, Renfrewshire, went on to win the Scottish area super-welterweight title in his fifth fight, beating Paul Kean in September 2018.
Stefan’s last fight, for the Celtic super-welterweight title, ended in defeat to Ireland’s Jay Byrne in March 2019.
The talented puncher, who first boxed out of the Dennistoun McNair Gym, was also a successful amateur, having only lost once in three years.