Tributes paid to kickboxer, 20, with family ties to Amble

Jordan Coe, 20, who spent his early years in Amble, was found dead in heavy training gear in Thailand at the weekend.

He had gone running in 30°C (86F) heat in Muang, 380 miles from Bangkok, and it is believed that he was trying to shed weight for an upcoming bout.

The promising fighter was a professional Muay Thai boxer and had moved to Asia from Scotland three years ago to chase his dream of rising up the ranks.

Jordan was educated at Amble Links First School as a youngster.

He had a number of relatives living in and around the Friendliest Port and would often return to the town to see family and friends.

Relative Ryan Jobson, from Guyzance, paid his respects to his second cousin, describing him as a role model and someone who had time for everybody.

The 38-year-old said: “Jordan’s death is a massive shock. The family absolutely adored him.

“He will be a big miss and he was a role model for a lot of kids.

“Jordan was such a nice, polite guy and he had time for everybody. I can’t praise him enough.

“Jordan had such an enthusiasm for kickboxing, he really took to it and he had so much energy.

“He was exceptionally talented, to the point where he went to Thailand to compete over there.

“While he was there, he embraced the culture and learnt the language.”

Ryan said that Jordan trained with him at the Trident Soccer Academy.

He added: “He was a joy to work with.

“He always gave 110 per cent at any sport that he did.”

Ryan said Jordan moved from Northumberland to Scotland, but Amble remained a special place in his heart.

He said: “Jordan’s family network is in Amble. He loved the town and he came back to visit Amble regularly.

“Jordan’s family have said that they are grateful for all of the well-wishes they have received.”

An online page to fund the return of the Muay Thai rising star’s body to Maddiston, Stirlingshire, has already surpassed its £20,000 target, standing at just over £22,000 yesterday.

Earlier this week, his mother Lisa, 51, flew to Asia with nephew Steven to claim his body and request answers over his death.

Jordan began fighting at a gym in Grangemouth, near to Falkirk, and later trained in Glasgow before moving to Thailand.

Talented Jordan, who won 11 of his 12 bouts last year, had been due to fight Khon Bola, a Cambodian boxer, in the Muang district of Thailand on Sunday night.

Coach Craig Floan, who knew Jordan from training in Glasgow, paid his respects to the well-known competitor, who was ‘tough as nails’ in the ring.

He said: “Jordan would fight anyone; he didn’t care. He was very cheeky. He was an entertainer. Everybody knows that he was famous for dancing out of the ring and in it.”

It is one of the many tributes to have poured in for Jordan. The online fund-raising page describes him as an enthusiastic young man who was kind, lovable, likeable and caring. It adds that his passion for the sport was incomparable and he was a great fighter who will be extremely missed. To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowd funding/Jordan-CoeHis Facebook page has also been inundated with messages of condolence, with mourners saying his legacy will live on in the Muay Thai community and that he was destined for the top.