In a statement the boxing promoter said: “It is very sad and unexpected. At this sad time my thoughts are with Darren’s family and I hope their privacy at this very difficult time will be respected by the media.

“It is a tragedy for Ireland and the world of boxing.”

The police say the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Sutherland boxed at St Saviour's club in Dublin and had won three national senior titles and two EU gold medals before his heroics at last year's Olympics.

He announced last December that he was turning professional.

Sports Minister Martin Cullen has offered his condolences to the boxer's family and friends, saying his early death has deprived Ireland of a magnificent talent.

He says Sutherland was a sportsman of wonderful ability with a future of real potential.

Britain’s Olympic middleweight champion James DeGale, who beat Sutherland in Beijing, spoke tonight of his shock at the Irishman’s death.

“It is very, very sad news – I just can’t believe it,” he said. “It is a tragedy. First and foremost, my heart goes out to his family. I just could not believe it; my heart went to the floor when I heard.

“He was a big part of my Olympic medal journey, and it is just terrible. I just do not know what to say except that he was a brilliant fighter, in fact an excellent fighter, and he was a gentleman outside the ring as well.

“He had an Olympic bronze medal, and his whole life to look forward to. He had a great future, and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him.”