UK boxer, 29, dies in professional debut

Sherif Lawal on the way to the ring in his professional debut on May 12, 2024. Photo by Instagram/@warrenboxingmanagement

Lawal was knocked down by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela in the fourth round of the match at the Harrow Leisure Center in London on Sunday. The 29-year-old boxer received medical care in the ring and was hospitalized immediately but did not survive, The Guardian reported.

"Unfortunately during Sherif's fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead," Warren Boxing Management, the company representing Lawal, said in a statement.

Afterwards, the British Boxing Board of Control and Warren Boxing Management sent their condolences to his family, friends, coach and all relatives.

Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury also sent his condolences to Lawal's family.

"God rest his soul, poor old fella. We all know the dangers of getting in the ring," Tyson told Boxing Scene.

Deaths in the ring are not uncommon in boxing. In 2019, American boxer Patrick Day was knocked unconscious in the 10th round of a match in Chicago and suffered a brain injury. Day fell into a coma after brain surgery and died.

In early 2019, the Russian Boxing Federation announced the death of Maxim Dadashev after he was injured in a match in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Coach Buddy McGirt asked the referee to stop the match when Dadashev took many consecutive blows.

According to AP, Dadashev was hospitalized at UM Prince George's Hospital Center with his brain swollen, and did not survive.