Step-dad and trainer denies any knowledge tragic Derbyshire teenage boxer was over-training ahead of fight

Edward Bilbey, 17, collapsed in the ring at the Post Mill Centre, South Normanton, on Friday, March 24, 2017, shortly after the three-round bout.

An inquest at Chesterfield coroners’ court heard his death could have been caused by the underlying heart condition, ‘excessive over-training’ in preparation for his fight or a combination of the two.

Boxing trainer Jason Shinfield, of Shinfield's Gym in Somercotes, had been in a relationship with Edward’s mum at the time, the inquest heard.

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But he claimed he was not aware Edward was taking regular hot baths and training in bin bags to try to lose weight ahead of the tournament – despite living part-time with the family.

The gym did not have a valid DBS certificate or welfare officer and Mr Shinfield did not keep Edward’s training records.

Mr Shinfield described himself as a professional boxing trainer with 35 years’ experience.

However, he denied being involved with the amateur side of the club and insisted he was not coaching Edward, claiming most of the training took place on Edward’s academic course at University College Birmingham.

He admitted Edward trained at the gym ‘but that was his choice’.

The inquest heard Edward had sparred with professional boxers at the gym but Mr Shinfield could not provide any evidence the required level two amateur coach had been present.

The inquest heard Mr Shinfield had said in a statement: “Fighters would always be supervised by me.

"There have been occasions when Edward has sparred with professional boxers in my gym. There is a fine line between amateur and professional. This is how you learn.”

Coroner Dr Robert Hunter said Edward ‘was a child’ and Mr Shinfield was in ‘a position of power and control’ if it came to cancelling the fight.

Mr Shinfield said he would ‘100 per cent have pulled the fight’ if he had known Edward was tired or ill.

Edward, from Ripley, was a student on England Boxing's Diploma in Sporting Excellence programme at University College.

Nicola Brady, assistant dean and course lecturer, told Chesterfield coroners’ court changes had been put in place to ensure ‘alarm bells’ about over-training were spotted in future.

The inquest continues.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.