A boxer from London has tragically died after collapsing in the ring during the fourth round of his professional debut on Sunday.
Middleweight boxer Sherif Lawal, 29, was fighting the first bout of his pro fighting career at the Harrow Leisure Centre northwest of London Sunday night when he collapsed in the ring, according to Warren Boxing Management, which promoted the match.
"Last night, Sherif Lawal was making his debut at a show at Harrow Leisure Centre, in which our boxer Courtney Bennett was scheduled to fight," Warren Boxing Management said in a statement Monday.
"Unfortunately during Sherif's fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead," the company said. "Warren Boxing Management would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif's family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time."
A specific cause of death was not revealed. Lawal was featured in the first fight on the card, and was knocked down when his opponent Malam Varela struck a blow to his head in the fourth round of the six-round bout.
Robert W. Smith, the General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, also confirmed Lawal's death in a statement.
"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," Smith said. "The thoughts of all those involved in Boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time."
\--with reporting by TMX
