A boxer has died after collapsing in his first skilled battle as heartfelt tributes pour in.
Middleweight Sherif Lawal misplaced consciousness throughout a battle with Portuguese opponent Malam Varela at Harrow Leisure Centre in London on Monday (AEST) after he was struck on the temple, The Solar experiences.
Referee Lee Each started the knockout depend however instantly referred to as time after realising the extent of the 29-year-old’s situation on the canvas.
Sherif, of Islington, was handled within the ring by docs earlier than being rushed to close by Northwick Park Hospital.
However he was tragically later pronounced useless regardless of the efforts of medics.
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A witness mentioned: “It’s unbelievably unhappy. This was his professional debut – he has died whereas chasing his dream.
“His battle was first on the cardboard, however the occasion was cancelled and the remaining three fights scrapped after Sherif was taken to hospital. That tells you the way severe it was.
“He was damage on the finish of spherical three. He then got here out for the fourth and ultimate spherical along with his guard up, and took a proper to the temple.
“He dropped to his haunches and the referee began a depend to 10 — however then stopped and waved it off as a result of he might see Sherif was in a foul method.
“Docs arrived and labored on him within the ring for about 20 minutes, together with CPR and using a defibrillator.
“This was in entrance of a packed home, and everybody was in whole shock.
“Sherif was then taken away on a stretcher earlier than information got here via later that he had handed away.
“That is very uncommon. All care is taken to make sure the protection of fighters however in a sport like boxing these items sometimes occur. Nevertheless, that doesn’t make it any much less devastating.”
Tributes pour in as boxing world mourns
Heartfelt tributes have rolled in because the tragic information of Sherif’s demise.
Costakis Evangelou, the promoter behind the Conflict of the Titans occasion, informed The Solar: “This was a tragic incident and my profound sympathies exit to Sherif’s household.
“It’s a troublesome time for everybody concerned within the boxing fraternity and we’re attempting to soak up what’s occurred. Nobody needs to see one thing like this in any sport.
“Sherif was an awesome boxer and man. It’s now within the arms of the Board and so they’re going to evaluate the incident.”
Writing on X, previously Twitter, fellow boxer Denzel Bentley posted a ‘damaged coronary heart’ emoji and penned: “Went to a boxing present final night time and a younger man making his debut misplaced his life.”
Among the many replies was battle YouTube channel The P4P Boxing Present, which wrote: “RIP Sherif Lawal.”
Sherif had been boxing since 2018. He wrapped up his novice profession and introduced he was turning skilled earlier this 12 months.
On the time, coach CJ Hussein, who additionally educated Tyson Fury’s 2009 opponent John McDermott, mentioned: “I believe the professional recreation will swimsuit Sherif right down to a tee, he’s bought all of the expertise to develop into an awesome middleweight.
“He’s an actual inspiration to all of the youthful boxers on the gymnasium.”
Anees Taj, whose cruiserweight bout was referred to as off, wrote on Fb: “Tonight I used to be alleged to field, nevertheless it didn’t occur.
“Sherifdeen Lawal was making his debut and collapsed within the ring, and I’ve simply been knowledgeable he has handed away.”
He later added: “After the occasions of final night time and the passing of the Sherif Lawal who was making his debut, my novice Membership St Albans & London Colney ABC wish to prolong their deepest condolences to the household and buddies of Sherif Lawal, in addition to to his novice / professional coaches over at St Pancras Boxing Membership. You’re all in our ideas and prayers.”
Warren Boxing Administration mentioned in an announcement: “Final night time, Sherif Lawal was making his debut at a present at Harrow Leisure Centre, through which our boxer Courtney Bennett was scheduled to battle.
“Sadly throughout Sherif’s battle, he collapsed and regardless of the most effective efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced useless.
“Warren Boxing Administration wish to ship our condolences to all of Sherif’s household, buddies, coaches and all these near him at this tragic time.”
Musician and boxer Deji Araoye, 24, who goes by the identify DGT combating below KSI’s Misfits Boxing model, mentioned: “RIP to Middleweight Sherif Lawal. Handed away final night time on his debut.”
Battle fan Dan Hawes wrote on X/Twitter: “RIP to Sherif Lawal, a lad who has handed away following his boxing debut. An pointless reminder of how brutal the game may be.”
A spokesman for the Met Police mentioned it hadn’t been referred to as to the venue over the incident.
The British Board of Boxing Management and London Ambulance Service was approached for remark.
— This story initially appeared on The Solar and has been republished with permission
