Eko Hot Blog reports that London-based boxer Sherif Lawal has passed away after collapsing in the ring during his professional debut on Sunday.
In the opening match of a four-fight card promoted by Costakis Evangelou.
29-year-old Sherif Lawal faced Malam Varela in a six-round bout at Harrow Leisure Centre.
In the fourth round, Varela landed a right hand on Lawal’s temple, causing him to drop to the canvas.
Referee Lee Every started the count but quickly realized Lawal was in distress and immediately stopped the bout.
How it happened
According to a BoxingScene source at ringside, the contest had been evenly matched until the end of the third round.
When Lawal was stunned by a right hand over the jab that landed just seconds before the bell rang.
“They both exchanged on the bell and the referee, Lee Every, pulled them apart.
“Lawal then came out with a high guard to start the fourth, he looked fine.
“He took the right hand to the temple and his back was to the ropes, he span round and then fell on his haunches.”
Lawal’s trainer, CJ Hussein, attended to his injured boxer while the British Boxing Board of Control’s ringside doctors and paramedics administered CPR for “10-15 minutes.”
“Afterward, they used a defibrillator on him for several minutes in the ring.
Lawal was transported to the nearby Northwick Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest.
The remainder of the card was cancelled.
Robert Smith, General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, told BoxingScene.
“It’s a tragic incident and we’re all in shock.
“We’re now in the process of gathering all the reports from the officials, doctors and paramedics to attempt to ascertain exactly what happened.
“His boxing medicals were all in order and we have a report from his GP stating he was fit and well.
Sherif Lawal in the Ring before his demise
“It’s an awful, tragic thing to happen.”
Sherif Lawal from Islington has been boxing since 2018.
Last year, he competed in the National Elite Championships and turned professional earlier this year.
Hussein described Lawal as “a real inspiration to all the younger boxers in the gym” when speaking to the Camden New Journal.
The British Boxing Board of Control said in a statement: “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.”
Warren Boxing Management, who represented Lawal, added, “We would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time.”
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