Boxer, 29, dies after collapsing in the ring during professional debut
Global News
Boxer Sherif Lawal was pronounced dead in the hospital despite the 'best efforts' of paramedics, who were called into the ring after he went down.
A 29-year-old British boxer died after he was knocked out during this first professional match.
Sherif Lawal, a middleweight boxer, collapsed in the ring at London’s Harrow Leisure Centre during his match against Portuguese opponent Malam Varela on Sunday. In the fourth round of the scheduled six-round bout, Lawal was knocked out by a blow to the head.
Paramedics were called in to the ring and tended to Lawal at the scene. The 29-year-old was then rushed via ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been made public.
The match between Lawal and Varela was the first on the card for the night. The rest of the event was cancelled.
The British Boxing Board of Control called Lawal’s death a “tragic passing.”
“The British Boxing Board of Control sends their condolences to the family of Sherifdeen Lawal following his tragic passing after his Boxing contest on Sunday,” Robert W. Smith, general secretary of the board, wrote in a statement. “The thoughts of all those involved in Boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”
The promoters of the boxing match also confirmed Lawal’s death, posting an image of the late boxer to their Instagram page along with a message of support for Lawal’s loved ones.
