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Nigerian-British boxer Sherif Lawal |
London-based Nigerian-British boxer, Sherif Lawal, has succumbed to a head injury incurred during his first professional bout.
The 29-year-old boxer was floored by a head strike from his Portuguese rival, Malam Varela, in the fourth round of what was planned as a six-round middleweight contest on Sunday at Harrow Leisure Centre, London, UK.
CBS reports that the match official halted the fight to enable medical staff to provide immediate care to Lawal, who was then urgently transported to a hospital but unfortunately passed away.
The British Boxing Board of Control expresses deep sorrow over Lawal’s passing, describing it as a heartbreaking loss.
"The British Boxing Board of Control extends their deepest sympathies to the family of Sherifdeen Lawal after his sorrowful loss following his boxing match on Sunday," the board announced on social media on Monday.
"All those associated with boxing in Great Britain share in their grief during this challenging period," the BBBC further stated.
Warren Boxing Management also expressed their sympathies on social media: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of Sherif's family, friends, trainers, and everyone close to him during this sorrowful time."
