Express & Star

Reagan Asbury Walsall boxing murder: George Groves' promoter calls for police inside venues

A boxing promoter has called for police to be stationed at fights to stamp out the 'trend' of brawls between fans.

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Police around Walsall Town Hall after Saturday's murder

Kalle Sauerland, who promotes British super-middleweight George Groves, made the call after fights broke out at Groves' bout with Jamie Cox at Wembley Arena on Saturday.

The fights occurred on the same day 19-year-old Reagan Asbury was stabbed to death at a fight in Walsall.

Trouble flared inside Walsall Town Hall and then spilled out onto the streets of the town centre.

Reagan, from Pelsall, died in hospital after suffering a neck injury.

Mr Sauerland said violence would be 'minimised' if police officers were present at venues.

He said: "It's something we need to address. A police presence is a must.

"I'm not saying it will always deter, but it certainly minimises the risk, just the presence."

Mr Sauerland highlighted an experience in Germany as an example of how policing can be effective.

He said: "We had a fight over in Berlin, when Josh Warrington was on the undercard of Paul Smith's bout with Arthur Abraham.

"Some locals from the right-wing scene came up against the Leeds fans of Warrington.

"It was a much bigger brawl than Saturday but within about two minutes there were Robocop-style police in the venue and the fighting was over three seconds after that.

"They were waiting on site. That was missing on Saturday but it is something we will certainly be looking at for the shows we'll be doing in the UK."

Tributes have been paid to Reagan in the wake of his death.

Kaylee Asbury said: “My truly handsome cousin had so much to offer and it has all been taken away at such a young age.

“What is this world coming to, can’t even have a fun night out anymore.”

A man arrested in connection on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed by police.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.