British middleweight boxer Sherif Lawal collapsed and died on Sunday during his professional debut.
Fight organizers announced the 29-year-old’s death after he was punched in the temple by opponent Malam Barrera in the fourth round at Harrow Leisure Center in London. .
“Unfortunately, Sherif collapsed during the bout and despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, he was later pronounced dead,” promoter Warren Boxing Management said in a statement via Reuters.
“Warren Boxing Management would like to extend its condolences to Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him during this tragic time.”
The British Boxing Board of Control added: “Our thoughts are with everyone involved in British boxing at this difficult time.”
The fight between Lawal and Barrera was the first fight on Sunday’s card.
They were scheduled to go six rounds in the match.
It is not uncommon for fatalities to occur in the boxing ring.
In 2019, new york Local native Patrick Day passed away after being injured during a game in Chicago in 2019.
Day lost consciousness during the 10th round of the fight and was put into a coma after brain surgery.
However, he never regained consciousness.
Charles Conwell, an Olympic boxer who fought against Day, wrote in an open letter to the comatose Day and his loved ones: “I was moved to tears because I couldn’t imagine how my family and friends must feel.” said.
No further details about Lawal’s death were released.
