British middleweight Sherif Lawal has died after collapsing in the ring during his professional debut on Sunday, fight organisers have said.
Media reports said Lawal, 29, was hit on the temple in the fourth of six scheduled rounds at London’s Harrow leisure centre against Portuguese opponent Malam Varela.
“Unfortunately during Sherif’s fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead,” promoters Warren Boxing Management said in a statement.
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.”
The fight was the first on the card, with the event then cancelled.