Tributes paid to '˜lovely' teen who died after amateur boxing match last night

The 17-year-old, from Ripley, named on social media as Ed Bilbey, collapsed in the ring after the bout at the Post Mill Centre at South Normanton on Friday.

Dozens of messages have since been left on our Facebook page.

Liz Hancock posted: “So very sad, thinking of the family xx.”

Dale Archer wrote: Tragic news! Thoughts with all the family and friends. Such a great lad.

Dean Clarke posted: “So very sad my thoughts with the lads family.”

Zoe Bickley wrote: “So sad our thoughts and prayers go out to the family ... he was a lovely lad and will be missed by all friends and family.”

Leonna Key posted: “Heartbreaking x thoughts are with his mum and family and friends xx.”

And Hilary Barnes wrote: So sad I couldn’t believe it wen I saw it xxxx

Ed was part of Somercotes Elite Boxing Academy and was taking part in the amateur tournament, promoted by the South Normanton School of Boxing,

The sport’s governing body, England Boxing, confirmed it had sanctioned the event.

A statement read: “It is with great sadness that the Board of England Boxing, the governing body for boxing in England, can confirm that a boxer died last night (Friday March 24) following a bout at an England Boxing sanctioned event in Derby.

“We are extremely saddened by this and would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person involved in this terrible and shocking incident.

“The Board of England Boxing has set-up an investigation to establish the facts of what happened and will provide an update when we know more.

“We are also asking all of the England Boxing coaches, officials and volunteers that were present on the night to co-operate with the police investigation and assist the authorities in any way they can.

“We will be providing support to people that have been affected by this terrible news and anyone that would like to contact England Boxing or access this support should contact us at 07515 597077 or [email protected].”

A Derbyshire police spokesman said: “The young man had been given medical treatment by professional medics at the match, which was continued by paramedics, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at Kingsmill Hospital.

“A post mortem examination, to determine the cause of his death, and a formal identification will take place in the next few days.

“We’re investigating on behalf of the coroner.

“At this stage there don’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding this death but if you were at the tournament and have any footage of the bout or information that might help, please contact Detective Sergeant Debbie Yoxall on 101, quoting incident number 1162 of March 24.”