A talented boxer from Croydon travelling to see his newborn son was stabbed to death by his former friend, a court heard.

Ghanaian former professional fighter John “King” Abbey, 26, died from a stab wound to the heart as he waited with his three-year-old daughter Natalie at a bus stop on London Road, West Croydon, on Thursday, January 24.

The Old Bailey heard that Charles Acquaah, 22, argued with Mr King after bumping into him by chance at 7pm.

The prosecution said the two men, who had previously been friends had “fallen out” over the affections of a woman who Mr Abbey believed was having an affair with Mr Acquaah, and over the use of Mr Acquaah's passport.

Prosecutor Brian Altman QC said: “The defendant (Mr Acquaah) simply chanced upon King and his daughter, an argument developed between the two men. King did nothing to justify the defendant’s actions who was clearly armed with a knife.”

Mr Abbey had been waiting at the bus stop near Lidl supermarket on the way to Mayday hospital where his son Adam had been born just hours earlier to Mr Abbey’s former lover Natra Abokar.

The court heard Mr Abbey was killed by a single stab wound to the heart. He was rushed to hospital suffering massive internal bleeding and was pronounced dead shortly after 7pm the same night.

The Old Bailey was told that the two men had rowed in the past. On August 7, 2008, Acquaah reported Mr King to Croydon Police for assaulting him and stealing his passport.

When police visited Mr King’s address in Croydon they found the two men having a heated argument in the front garden.

When questioned Mr King claimed they were arguing because they were both sleeping with the same woman.

Mr Altman added: “The reason for the feud, they had both been sleeping with the same woman.

“King had said he thought the defendant and Natra had a relationship but at the same time he would say he didn't care. He thought the two were having an affair.”

Acquaah denies murdering Mr King claiming he was forced to kill him in self-defence.

The trial continues.