Boxer Sherif Lawal has tragically died after collapsing in the ring on his professional debut.
Lawal, 29, was taking on Portuguese fighter Malam Varela in Harrow. He was rushed to Northwick Park Hospital, only to later be pronounced dead. Tributes have poured in for the British boxer after the middleweight bout at Harrow Leisure Centre. "[I] went to a boxing show last night and a young man making his debut lost his life," boxer Denzel Bentley wrote
According to eyewitnesses quoted by The Sun, doctors administered CPR in the ring. The other planned fights on the card are understood to have been cancelled after the incident. Boxing News Online reports that the referee for the bout began the count before waving the contest off when it became clear Lawal was in trouble. Lawal is understood to have been a member of St Pancras Amateur Boxing Club.
A number of tributes were shared on social media following Bentley's announcement. "RIP Sherif Lawal" wrote one, with another telling Bentley "Sorry to hear that bro. Take your time, look after yourself". Further tributes were paid on social media on Monday as the news spread further. "One of the saddest things I’ve witnessed. Rest easy champ," wrote one boxing fan.
"RIP to Sherif Lawal a lad who has passed away following his boxing debut," wrote another. "An unnecessary reminder of how brutal the sport can be." “I think the pro game will suit Sherif down to a tee, he’s got all the talent to become a great middleweight,” CJ Hussein, head coach at the St Pancras club, had told The Islington Tribune in March. “He’s a real inspiration to all the younger boxers at the gym.” Lawal's profile on the club's website lists his favourite boxer as Sugar Ray Robinson. He is quoted as describing the club as "like an extended family".
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