The British middleweight Sherif Lawal has died after collapsing in the ring during his professional debut on Sunday, fight organisers have said. Lawal was knocked down by his Portuguese opponent Malam Varela in the fourth of a six-roundmiddleweight bout at Harrow Leisure Centre.
Paramedics at the scene tended to Lawal, who was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital but the 29-year-old died.
“Unfortunately during Sherif’s fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead,” said the promoters, Warren Boxing Management.
The British Boxing Board of Control said: “Condolences to the family of Sherif Lawal following his tragic passing. The thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”
The fight was the first on the card, with the event then cancelled.