Olympic boxing medallist Sutherland is found hanged

DARREN Sutherland, who won boxing bronze for Ireland at last year's Beijing Olympics, has been found dead in his south London flat.

TRAGIC: Ireland's Darren Sutherland, pictured right, was found dead by his manager. He won bronze at last year's Olympics, losing to British gold medallist, James DeGale, in the semi-final (Getty Images)

The 27-year old was discovered by manager and promoter Frank Maloney and the Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious.

Maloney was admitted to hospital after the discovery suffering from shock and suspected heart attack. Doctors claim they are confident he will make a full recovery.

"It is very sad and unexpected," he said, in a statement.

"My thoughts are with Darren's family and I hope their privacy at this very difficult time will be respected by the media. It is a tragedy for Ireland and the world of boxing."

Middleweight Sutherland had boxed as a teenager but gave the sport up and didn't return to the ring until he became a student at Dublin City University.

He lost to Britain's James DeGale - the eventual champion - in the Olympic semi-finals and turned professional last December. He was unbeaten in four bouts.

"Ireland has lost a sportsman of wonderful ability," said Irish Sports Minister Jim Cullen.

"The tremendous effort and determination of this young man brought immense pride to Ireland in Beijing in 2008 when he joined a very select group of men who have won an Olympic medal for Ireland.

"It takes work, effort, desire and dedication to be a champion and these qualities Darren had in abundance."