A British boxer making his professional debut in the ring on Sunday died at the age of 29 after he collapsed from a knockout punch.
Sherif Lawal, a middleweight boxer, was facing off against Malam Varela from Portugal in the Clash of the Titans undercard fight at the Harrow Leisure Centre in London when the incident occurred. According to TMZ, Varela threw a right that connected directly with Lawal's temple during the fourth round of the fight, causing him to fall to the ground.
It was apparently clear to the referee that Sherif needed immediate medical attention, and ringside doctors and paramedics quickly sprang into action, performing CPR on Lawal for over 10 minutes before he was taken to Northwick Park Hospital in North West London. But unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Warren Boxing Management, which represented Lawal, released a statement following the boxer's death.
"Last night, Sherif Lawal was making his debut at a show at Harrow Leisure Centre, in which our boxer Courtney Bennett was scheduled to fight," the statement read. "Unfortunately during Sherif’s fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead."
"Warren Boxing Management would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time," the statement added.
Fans likewise flooded to the comments to express their condolences.
"Absolutely heartbreaking, praying for his friends and family, so so tragic," wrote one fan. "I am so sorry to hear this. Such talent," added another.
Lawal had been boxing since 2018 but had only made the decision to take his career to the professional level earlier this year.
"I think the pro game will suit Sherif down to a tee, he’s got all the talent to become a great middleweight," his head coach CJ Hussein told Camden New Journal back in March. "He’s a real inspiration to all the younger boxers at the gym."
