Boxing coach, 55, who was uncle of ex WWE star Paige collapses and dies in ring during charity fight to raise money for four-year-old girl battling cancer
A veteran boxing coach died after collapsing in the ring during a charity fight to raise funds for a four-year-old girl battling cancer.
Jules Bevis, 55, who was described by friends as ‘a true legend’ and the ‘nicest and most caring bloke ever’, was the uncle of pro-wrestler Saraya.
Despite the efforts of paramedics and police on Sunday afternoon, he was declared dead at the scene at the World Association of Wrestling Academy in Norwich, Norfolk.
He is said to have died in the arms of his wrestler nephew Roy Bevis, who fights under the name Roy Knight, after suddenly collapsing in the ring.
Mr Bevis, who was nicknamed Jabmaster, was among more than 30 boxers described as ‘some of Norfolk’s favourite fighters from yesteryear’ who were lined up to take part.
The event was staged in a bid to raise £20,000 towards a £220,000 appeal to pay for treatment in America for Kayla Buttle, from Norwich, who has Neuroblastoma cancer.
Mr Bevis (left), who was nicknamed Jabmaster, was among more than 30 boxers described as ‘some of Norfolk’s favourite fighters from yesteryear’ who were lined up to take part
Mr Bevis (pictured), who was a father and had a fiancée, Mel Bevis, was a Class 1 HGV driver and worked as a limousine and wedding chauffeur
Los Angeles-based Saraya, who formerly wrestled for the WWE under the ring name Paige, shared a tribute to her 2.7 million followers on Twitter, saying: ‘Sending love to my family right now back in the UK.’
She added: ‘Keep thinking about my uncle. What a wonderful human he was. Up until the end he had a heart of gold.
‘He was doing a charity boxing match at my dads wrestling PC raising money for a little girl for her cancer treatments. In the ring he collapsed & past in my brother Roy’s arms.’
Mr Bevis, who was a father and had a fiancée, Mel Bevis, was a Class 1 HGV driver and worked as a limousine and wedding chauffeur.
He was also a fanatical Tottenham fan, known for his social media fan sites for the club, which had thousands of followers.
Mr Bevis was the uncle of pro-wrestler Saraya (left). Los Angeles-based Saraya formerly wrestled for the WWE under the ring name Paige
The tragedy was witnessed by hundreds of local boxing fans who paid £25 a head to attend the show, which was due to include an auction of memorabilia.
A Norfolk Police statement said: ‘Police are investigating the death of a man following an incident at a charity boxing match in Norwich.
‘Officers were called to the match in Diamond Road, Norwich at 3.47pm on Sunday to reports of a sudden death after a man in his 50s had become unwell during the event.
‘Emergency services including ambulance and police were in attendance but despite medical treatment, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
‘The area has been cordoned off while officers investigate the circumstances of the death which is currently being treated as unexplained.’
Saraya’s mother Julia Hamer, a co-founder of the WAW academy, said in a Facebook post: ‘What happened today was surreal, I am numb, my sadness is overwhelming.
‘But, I have to mention the way Jules Tottenham Bevis was treated by the NHS Professionals, medics, paramedics, critical trauma and Norfolk Constabulary was just amazing.
‘The emotion that flowed from them when they had to stop was a sight to behold. They all hugged each other tears flowing because they couldn’t save him. Genuine Care and love.’
Ms Hamer, also known by her wrestling name Saraya Knight, added: ‘All the emergency services were just brilliant and I need to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. All the family are overwhelmed at your efforts.
‘For now my family are in deep shock, we are missing a piece and it hurts. I love you always Jules, RIP.’
Mr Bevis’ daughter Chantel Marie Bevis added in a post: ‘Thank you for everything today! I hope my Dad sleeps peacefully and knows how loved he was. X’
Mr Bevis (pictured) was a fanatical Tottenham fan, known for his social media fan sites for the club, which had thousands of followers
Staff at Norwich-based Celebration Cars & Events which employed Mr Bevis (pictured) said they were ‘heartbroken’
Staff at Norwich-based Celebration Cars & Events which employed Mr Bevis said they were ‘heartbroken’.
The company added on Facebook: ‘Today we went to support our friend at a charity boxing match and the unthinkable happened.
‘If you ever had the pleasure of Jules as your driver, you’ll know what a kind gentle man he was.
‘Jules you gave the best hugs and will be missed by everyone, it won’t be the same without you here. Our thoughts are with your wonderful family. Jules Tottenham Bevis rest in peace.’
Mr Bevis’ friend Jackson Williams added: ‘Tonight I’ve had to reflect on something that happened on a day that was all about raising money for a little girl.
‘Getting local boxers from the past competing in some exhibition bouts with no winners or losers, just some fun and raising plenty of money for a charity.
‘Sadly Jules Tottenham Bevis, who is a long term friend who I was brought up around as kid, unexplainably collapsed in the corner in an exhibition match.
‘Jules, I know it’s a sport you loved dearly and you will be missed by so many people my friend. RIP JabMaster Bevis.’
Buzz Busby said in a post: ‘I will never forget 3.28 on this day. RIP Jules Tottenham Bevis. Absolutely guttered, sending love to the family. He was and always will be a true legend Xx’
Kelly Sherwood Holmes added: ‘So sad to hear about Jules Tottenham Bevis. Nicest and most caring bloke ever x’
Mr Bevis is thought to have passed medical tests before stepping into the ring.
Tottenham fan group Spurs Worldwide said they believed ‘he looked after himself with regular gym visits and boxing etc’.
Evan Rhys Hubbard added: ‘A Norwich boxing legend and friend of many including myself. Today has been hard for a lot of people. All my thoughts are with your family.’
Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not spoken to Norfolk Police should call tel 101 quoting incident number 288 of October 2.
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