Gareth Davis, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Berbick

Port Antonio, Portland:

Former World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavy-weight Champion, Trevor Berbick, was found murdered near his doorstep in the quiet district of Norwich, in Portland, yesterday morning.

The body of the 52-year-old former champion was discovered at about 5 a.m. Saturday - lying face down in a pool of blood - by a church deacon, who had gone to open the doors of the Norwich Baptist Chapel, which is near to the boxer's house.

Senior Detective Sergeant of the Port Antonio Criminal Investigation Branch, Kenneth Bailey, told The Sunday Gleaner that the boxer was last seen alive about 2 a.m. Saturday at a local pub in the district, where he had spent the better part of Friday night partying with friends.

"He reportedly left one of the local night spots between the hours of 1:45 to 2 a.m. Saturday and headed for home, " Det. Bailey reported. "The body had four wounds to the back of the head, as he was probably attacked from behind. The impression and damage done to the skull have indicated that a machete may have been used by his attacker or attackers to murder him."

The police have ruled out robbery as the motive. They said a $100 note was found alongside the body and there was no indication that the killer(s) made any attempt to enter the house, which is less than 15 feet from where the former boxer grew up.

One resident, Winston McArthy, told The Sunday Gleaner that the boxer had been at his pub up until 1:30 a.m. Saturday

"I can't believe this senseless killing has taken place in my community and involving our one and only champion. He should never go out like this."

Berbick, who rose to prominence in the early 1980s after defeating Pinklon Thomas for the WBC title, was the last boxer to have defeated the legendary Muhammad Ali.