Two in court over boxer's murder

12 April 2012

Two men will appear before magistrates charged with the murder of heavyweight boxer James Oyebola.

The men are accused of shooting the boxer after a row over smoking at a bar in Fulham, west London.

Rene McKoy, 19, and Kanyanta Mulenga, 22, will appear at West London Magistrates' Court, Scotland Yard said.

Mr Oyebola, 47, a former British boxing champion, died after being shot at close range in the head and leg.

The attack took place at the Chateau 6 club in Fulham Road, almost opposite Fulham Broadway Tube station, on July 23.

Witnesses said the 6ft 9in sportsman, who lived in north west London, stepped in to help staff after they asked a group of men to put out their cigarettes.

Mr Oyebola was taken to New Charing Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead four days later.

After his death, his brother Kelly, who runs a youth mentoring service, described him as a "gentle giant" and a "peacemaker".

Figures from boxing, including promoter Frank Maloney and former opponents, paid tribute to Mr Oyebola.

The Oyebola family have since said they will establish a charity foundation in his name aimed at helping direct youngsters towards a brighter future.

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