Marvin Chilton 1974 - 2010
On 17th August 2010 at the young age of 35, Marvin Chilton sadly passed away.
Marvin had suffered from severe heart difficulties since 2008 and had been fitted with a mechanical device to help his heart operate.
He was a standout amateur boxer throughout his teenage years.
During our time at Ousedale School in Newport Pagnell, Marvin also excelled in other sports. He was a brilliant cross country athlete and an excellent winger on the football pitch; he always kept active and was very fit. This just shows how unfair life can be when someone so undeserving gets struck down with a condition like that.
1990 was a great year of boxing successes for Marvin. He fought for his local club Milton Keynes Royals and was a regular on the back pages of our local papers for his exploits. In March 1990, he travelled to Derby to take part in the finals of the Schools National Boxing Championship. Marvin walked away with the title in the 54kg class beating Neil Barker in the final.
Looking back through the programme of the event these finals were littered with big names who went on to have successful pro careers. Naseem Hamed, Ryan Rhodes, Dean Pithie, Steven Bendall, Scott Dann, Scott Gammer, Michael Brodie and David Starie all took part in the tournament in 1990.
In May 1990, Marvin won his second major title. He won the junior ABA title, once again in the 54kg category. This event was covered by Steve Bunce on behalf of Boxing News.
“Marvin Chilton, who is without doubt one of the most effective southpaws around was too powerful for David O’Connor,” wrote Steve. Kind words from one of Britain’s most respected boxing pundits.
Winning this title earned Marvin the right to fight for his country, a real honour for any sportsman. He went onto fight for England on two occasions. He fought in the prestigious Golden Gloves Four Nations tournament. He stopped Scottish champion Robert Hay on his way to the final where he lost, according to boxing writer David Prior and all in attendance, a shocking decision to Irish champion Glen Stephenson.
My last memory of Marvin was when we met at his cousin's wedding in July. Earlier in the year I had been diagnosed with a minor heart defect which Marvin had found out about through mutual friends. Once we got talking he was more concerned about my well being than all the health problems he was facing.
This just goes to show what a kind, thoughtful person he was. Family and friends, like myself, will be left with nothing but fond memories of Marvin.
