Dean Powell

[n1ebf]

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[Kilburn]

Shocking.

Dean Powell always seemed to me like he would fit into the "I love my job" category with ease. I guess there is quite a story to come out be it personal or vocational or both.

[lefty]

Awful awful news, RIP Dean Powell.

Like others here I have suffered with depression and it is horrendous; dark, lonely and so so difficult to retain any hope for beating it. I only recently overcame my 2nd serious bout and returned to work this month after nearly 4 months of being unable to work (or do much else for that matter).

It's so difficult to comprehend unless you have suffered with it and I do get why people struggle to understand it; now I've come through the other side I find it hard to comprehend myself just where my head was only a matter a weeks ago. Fortunately there does seem to be a lot more awareness now and my employer and colleagues have been very supportive of me and have been great in helping me successfully return to work.

In terms of those that so tragically take their lives I have nothing but sympathy and I find it difficult to hear people refer to them as cowards, or castigate them for leaving their loved ones behind. I agree with what has been said by others here, when facing it you actually find it takes a lot of balls. It's not a case of wanting to die, it's a matter of not being able to face the terrible pain of depression, the hopelessness, seeing the effect it has on those close to you and seeing how quickly your life can fall apart an to be facing the possible loss of everything you hold dear; it sounds twisted when you are not suffering with depression but one of the hardest things is wanting the pain to end but feeling certain that you cannot get better and yet you don't have the guts to put an end to it. It really does seem that there is no way out and the thought of where you will end up is terrifying.

Apologies for a long, depressing post but I think it is so important that more and more people understand this illness and take it seriously to prevent further tragedies in future. I guess i feel some responsibility to try to do my bit to raise awaeness. Depression can be overcome but it is bloody hard, and I consider being able to endure it and come out the other side to be my greatest achievement in life. I was very lucky that I was able to talk about it with people and was able to get the help I needed, sadly not everyone is so fortunate to have sympathetic friends and colleagues, nor access to the right treatment - in my experience although the help offered by the NHS is better than a few years ago it is still woefully inadequate.

R.I.P. Dean, and my thoughts to all those that will miss him.

I read the piece in last week's BN just today in fact, and it was illuminating. But what is it? This thing depression is a banner term I suspect, these people suffering with it would probably point their finger at specific things, which due to the way they make them feel, is it any wonder they don't want to share them and let other people see their insecurities/ weaknesses, perceived or otherwise?

I spoke to a lad at Uni who told me he was on anti-depressants and I felt sorry for him, I thought the poor lad, must have big problems. Yet things that were a problem to me didn't seem to be a problem to him. Then bang - roll on 2 or 3 years and I'm jobless and at the Doc's myself with them "dark thoughts". Certainly inactivity/ unemployment, too much time on your hands can be a trigger, which, like a punch, is bad, but when you don't even see it coming you can multiply those effects. My Doctor flung me some pills, which I took for 2 weeks (they take a month to actually kick into action) before binning. I would later find out that it bars you from entering the armed forces - however, I wouldn't have got in anyway because I was also referred for counselling and that was a massive help to me. You can't understate how much it helps to be able to talk to somebody, so you'll never hear me knocking counselling or saying it's a bit sissy, which some people do - maybe even people you know!

I know what you mean Matt about it being an achievement having come through the other side, and the positive, if you can call it a positive, is that once you've been to "the bottom", or think you've been to the bottom and then beaten it, it makes you feel stronger, or it did with me. It's a bit of a bast*rd because people always say it's a tragedy and it's preventable (suicide), which I'm sure is true in a lot of cases. I'm definitely not advocating topping yourself but to me saying it's preventable is sometimes dismissive of the depressed person's views I think. Who's to say what they should or shouldn't have to live with?

A couple of final things - and I completely respect why this thread was set up, but if anybody thinks pills is a way out, stop thinking it because the "success" rate is ridiculously low and you could end up in the nut-house with a destroyed liver and all your original problems will still be there too. And anyone if does it to get back at somebody who has hurt them, I once read somewhere that you'll never get to see them grieve you, so is it worth it?

Again, no disrespect, but if it makes just one person stop before tipping a bottle of pills upside down....

It stops you getting in the armed forces?! Shit, I didnt know that.

[TheGoods]

Shocked by the news yesterday it hit me quite hard. I work in the substance misuse field and dual diagnosis clients I.e those with depression, self harm issues are quite common. Have completed ASSIST suicide prevention training too. The truth is there is no formula. A lot of people for instance who take tablet overdoses or cut their wrists do this as a cry for help. They dont want to die but dont want to carry on living as they are. Many of those who just go out and kill themselves however do so without ever giving any real indication they are having problems in their life. This is what makes it so difficult to detect and support. We ALL face emotional problems at some point. Struggle with bereavement or loss. As humans living in such a secular world as we do now we all have fears and demons. Most people are just good at hiding it. RIP Dean Powell May perpetual light shine upon you.

[goldenears]

live out in America now, so i've been struggling with this all day. I got to know Dean over the last couple of years and given that i'm just another boxing fan, he's been incredibly good to me, always had time for people and i've never seen anyone work so hard or be so committed in such a behind the scenes role with very little of the glory.

He was more concerned about everyone else being sorted , comfortable or whatever than himself, ever.

When he came over to America with Nathan C, he went out of his way to socialise with me and my wife, made sure we had a great time at the fights, and introduced us to some people who remain good friends now, between all of which he was constantly at work on his blackberry or phone. Never not working, but still making sure that everyone that was there that he knew was comfortable and enjoying themselves whilst he grafted.

Boxing is a hard game, and there's no doubts that there are bad people involved in the business, but Dean was the absolute exception. A true gent, one of the kings of the mods and a pure, decent boxing, football and music loving fella.

Been in bits all day since a good soul broke the news to me so I wouldn't have to read it on social media.

I've respected his work as a fan for years and even more so as a friend more recently.

Heart goes out to his family , close friends and all touched by the man.

RIP Deano. "All the Georgie"

[J]

very sad news indeed.
Met him a few times including my first ever fight covering for the BBN some sports centre Brentwood I think.
Nervous as I was he made sure I was alright and showed me to my press seat. Kind of him and by all accounts that sums him up.

Everytime I met him admittedly only 3 or 4 times, he was a bundle of positive energy. Such a waste of life. Shame. RIP Dean.

you will be missed.

[Lenny]

It stops you getting in the armed forces?! poo, I didnt know that.

Given the mental issues a large number of people in the military are faced with, I'd say it was the last place you'd want to go to if you have been suffering with depression

[jago9139]

In a day and age when everyone wants to be a star in front of the camera, Dean was the epitome of what is great about the boxing business. He worked tirelessly behind the scene with very little recognition.

RIP Dean

[polecateddy]

Boxing News only just that big article on depression. What a shocker! He was a bit of an icon on the British training scene.

[mfc_se15]

Very sad news.

[TJ77]

People are speculating he was depressed. Yet he showed no signs externally that he was has anyone actually considered he may have been physically ill or another reason may have caused his actions.

Im all for highlighting mental illness but a separate thread would be better surely until the facts are out.
This thread should be about the man not what may or may not caused him to end his life.IMO

[jonp]

People are speculating he was depressed. Yet he showed no signs externally that he was has anyone actually considered he may have been physically ill or another reason may have caused his actions.

Im all for highlighting mental illness but a separate thread would be better surely until the facts are out.
This thread should be about the man not what may or may not caused him to end his life.IMO

Great point id rather hear peoples stories about Dean the man rather than what might have caused this tragedy.

Heres mine

Id just got my matchmakers licence back in 2006 and i had a few people saying that Dean Powell would not be happy with another matchmaker from his neck of the woods.
I saw dean at a couple of shows and thought hes not going to like somebody else in the same business as him.

Couple of shows later Dean made his way over to me said hello and congratulated me on work i was doing.Dean gave me his number and said any problems i had to give him a ring (which i did on numerous occasions and he was always on the end of the line)
Over the years Dean hs sent plenty of work my way and iv never ever had to negotiate or try and get more he always looked after the fighters so well there was no room for trying it on.

Little side note last year had a lad at the debra show and Dean was telling me he was struggling to match scott harrison the next day.I told Dean Joe elfidi was looking for a job and to get onto him right away.Half hour later Dean came back and thanked me and said well done and seriously i was privately over the moon i felt like the student being told by the grand old master that id done a good job.

Cmon people put yr good thoughts and stories about a good man on here for us all to read rather than speculate over the last and very sad chapter of his life.

[Matt W]

I understand your point and apologies if you feel the thread has been hijacked. Having said that it is clear that everyone that's posted here has the deepest respect and sympathy for Dean and his family and I think that largely people are trying to make sense of what seems a senseless act from somebody that by all accounts was a very good person. IMO a high proportion of suicides will be depression related although don't know if that is the case or not. Anyway, as you say it may be for another thread if anybody wants to discuss further.

[forcefraser]

This news has really gutted me. I`m not an overly emotional type, but this has hit me pretty hard and I don`t even know the guy.

Whatever happened or whatever caused it is just tragic. A proper genuine boxing man lost. RIP Dean.

[Chambers2]

Gutted!! Really feel for his family and friends, it was great to see a Black Country boy do well in the sport. RIP Dean.

[TJ77]

I understand your point and apologies if you feel the thread has been hijacked. Having said that it is clear that everyone that's posted here has the deepest respect and sympathy for Dean and his family and I think that largely people are trying to make sense of what seems a senseless act from somebody that by all accounts was a very good person. IMO a high proportion of suicides will be depression related although don't know if that is the case or not. Anyway, as you say it may be for another thread if anybody wants to discuss further.

I wasnt having a dig mate it's not yours or anyone's fault how the thread deviates.
I just think what I said its early days and although its probable it was a mental issue its not known why.
Thats not for here and not for now IMO.

[Matt W]

No worries mate, I understand what you're saying and no offence taken.

[mickey1975]

I met Dean at Wharton's last bout in 98. He was in a local pub with a kid I went to school with who was in The Seahorses and occasionally The Happy Mondays. I wanted to talk boxing but he just wanted to talk music... Was polite though... Loved the way every time he worked in the West Midlands his accent came back!

[DIRT SUGAR]

How and why will come to light in its own time, but first and foremost my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Sport has lost a true boxing man. I remember when he was in Joe Calzaghe's corner once and after a hard round, I think Calzaghe might have even been knocked down, his dad Enzo furious and screaming at Joe about how he had to go out and beat this this guy etc etc and Dean matter of factly said 'Alright, well let's just calm down and tell him how to do it shall we?' or something to that effect. Excellent cornerman. RIP Dean. Gone too soon.

[thepocketrocket]

How and why will come to light in its own time, but first and foremost my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Sport has lost a truel boxing man. Remember a when he was in Joe Calzaghe's corner and after a hard round, think Calzaghe might have even been knocked down and his dad Enzo furious and screaming about how he had to go out and beat this this guy etc etc and Dean matter of factly said 'Well let's just calm down and tell him how to do it shall we?' or something to that effect. Excellent cornerman. RIP Dean. Gone too soon.

"Trust Me, Trust me, Trust me"

Typical Enzo troubador cornerwork

[stujones]

I was saddened by this news. My first experience of Dean came through this forum, I’d written something and he phoned to talk to me about it. I skipped two of the calls, I was watching The Apprentice at the time, and took the third one. Dean started to let rip, I said: “I know, I know, I’m just a bit of a prick who actually thinks he’s funny,” and that seemed to take the edge of his anger. We ended up talking for over an hour and arranged to meet up for a full interview a few weeks later.

The sit down interview took place at a Khan weigh-in. Lots of people in boxing have to have conversations of the fly, it’ll look like they’re not listening and then they’ll disappear for a few minutes and come back before picking up where they left off. Dean would pick up where he left off without missing a beat and we did a good interview, the first of a few, before chatting about The Faces and music, he disapproved of my Rod Stewart t-shirt, for obvious reasons given his love of Ronnie Lane.

For me, the main thing will be the good few late night chats that would begin with: “Terry, we’re not going to fall out over this, but…” then would settle into conversations about London, and his promise to take me and my other half on a tour of the East End if we could ever get our diaries sorted, and the ins and outs of upcoming fights. Dean was a fair guy, always willing to chat and our last really long one was full of positivity. The last time I saw him was after Smith Vs. Dodson II, I went up to him, did a blanket apology for any times I’ve been a bit of a prick, and we had a good chat before he left the Bolton Arena. I’d have said a lot more had I know it was the last time I’d see him.

RIP Deano — blow the bloody doors offa it.

I’m not shilling here, but here’s some quotes from him I got a few years ago, they cover the bulk of his career and are an insight into his love of the sport: http://www.BS.com/dean-powell- ... ned--69480.

Just wondering Terry was the first phone call at around the time he took over from Oliver Harrison as Khan's coach. Can remember you being quite forthright with your views on that one (and us two having another ding dong several thread, several thesis length posts on the matter).

On a similar note, years ago someone PM'd me (might have been you Terry although not sure) that Dean wanted my mobile number to address something I said. I think I made some comment about an out of date T shirt he was wearing when doing the corner work (e.g. it had Sports Network on it) and I wondered if they were doing it to take this piss out of Setanta. Naturally when the person PM'd me, I shat myself (thinking I would be taken on) so didn't give out my number... I am quite sad I didn't now.

[hurlock]

Most people wouldn't have the bottle to do it that means they can help themselfs in reality.depression can trigger this off, it's an illness that can get the best of us.they say you lose common sense your thoughts become irrational & you can't control it from getting worse. They say isolation is extremely dangerous when someone is so low & most do cry out in there own way normally told pull yourself together,snap out,or you'll be allright.
I think making people aware helps themselfs as sometimes others can't trace it.ive read up a bit on depression as I've had downers & you do make yourself suffer its like a cloud over your head but it passes & you feel fine again.i had a little wobble last year due to pressure with work doing mad hours nights etc.& falling in & out of jobs my self esteem hit a all time low I dropped silly weight in 4 weeks over a stone & half & I was doubting my abilities to provide for my family that I'm useless worthless & Im massively embarrassed about it because it isn't me or my character I'm very stubborn strong & resilient & over thinking worrying etc made me ill.& it can like I said to the best of us in a way I'm glad I've had this expieriance & overcame it & can hopefully help people close to me if they go that way

[JamesH]

Dean Powell. Hard work, enthusiasm, and an eagerness to learn (from the likes of Emmanuel Steward) saw him become a mainstay in boxing having started at the bottom. I have lost count of the fighters who would tell me that nobody wrapped their hands better. In the corner, he was at his best when he let the trainer do his thing and then he'd throw an insightful and accurate line as the fighter rose from their stool (sometimes accompanied by a dry slap to the chest!). At his happiest when given a second to explain his side of the story or point of view. He didn't hide and wore his heart on his sleeve. Boxing geeks were jealous and in admiration of the position he'd got himself in, and he'd seemingly have time for them (us) all.

I didn't see the news until last night and its taken until now to post on it. We've lost a good one. May he rest in peace.

[The Law]

I remember having my first long chat with Dean when I was sitting ringside at a Paul Smith fight in Liverpool (I can't recall which fight it was). I was sitting in between Andy Ayling and him (.... yes the two best looking guys in boxing!). I did not know Dean on a personal level and as a result Dean politely introduced himself, we had a good chat about the Boxrec forum and the various interesting characters that we have on here. Since then I met Dean on numerous occasions at various shows. He was always polite and softly spoken but at the same time he carried his emotions on his sleeve before/during a contest. The last time I spoke to him was at the Cleverly v Kovalev fight. He was a great tactician, excellent matchmaker and was very intelligent.

Arnie (Farnell) always used to have good banter with Dean behind the scenes, which illustrated the lighter/fun side of Dean. I'm sure Arnie has a lot of amazing stories to tell about Dean. Dean was a top guy and will be sadly missed. RIP

[Arnie]

I have so many fond memories of Dean mate! I'm still in shock tbh, I keep expecting my phone to ring because he rang me everyday and not all just about boxing sometimes just for a chat. The day before he died he rang me and seemed in great spirits laughing and joking! Boxing will be a worse place without him. R.I.P mate you will be sadly missed.