Stevan was one of the best men in my life

AN American colleague of bodyguard and bare knuckle boxer Stevan Miller, who was found dead at his Hinckley home last month, has described his friend as “the most skilled protective agent in the business in Western Europe”.

The 6ft 7in “gentle giant”, who provided protection for a host of A-listers, including Madonna, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner and rapper P Diddy, was found dead Sunday, May 13. He was 38.

Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a review hearing will be held at Loughborough coroner’s court next month.

Joe Weaver posted a comment on the story on Leicestershire Live’s website, saying: “Stevan was one of the best men I’ve had the pleasure to meet during my life.

“He had an infectious smile and a booming, jolly personality. I worked with Stevan for 13 years protecting celebrity clients and billionaire businessmen.

“He was the most skilled protective agent in the business in Western Europe.

“This man was the definition of ‘genuine’.

“His persona didn’t change a bit whether he was protecting Angelina Jolie or drinking a Miller High Life beer with me at a dive bar in Venice, California.

“Many will miss this man for his incredible personality and joyous good spirit. Many will miss his professional skill-set and protective abilities.

“I will miss him both personally, and professionally.

“If you’ve ever had a friend you could call any minute of the day or night and he would do everything in his power to solve your problem, you’ll know just what I mean when I say that Stevan leaves a hole for me that can never be filled. Stevan, I will see you again my friend – Joey.”

Friends of Stevan, from the worlds of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and bare knuckle boxing have rallied round to pay the funeral costs for the man they knew as “Big Cyril”.

On Friday night, Fight UK MMA was staging a Night of the Champions at the Hermitage leisure centre, in Whitwick, with top MMA fighters from around the country.

Money raised through its raffles, a collection and an auction of memorabilia will go to Stevan’s wife Jemma and their two children.