PATRICK DAY has died aged 27 having spent the past four days in a coma following his brutal KO in his loss on the Oleksandr Usyk undercard.
The American boxer was knocked out by Charles Conwell in Saturday’s tenth-round defeat in Chicago.
The super-welterweight was rushed to hospital on a stretcher after he faced a barrage of punches from Conwell and did not move on the canvas for several minutes.
Poor Day suffered seizures on his way to Northwester Memorial Hospital and had emergency brain surgery before remaining in a coma.
His promoter Lou DiBella said in a statement: “Patrick Day passed away today, October 16, 2019, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, October 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL.
“He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins.
“On behalf of Patrick’s family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury.
“Patrick Day didn’t need to box.
“He came from a good family, he was smart, educated, had good values and had other avenues available to him to earn a living.
“He chose to box, knowing the inherent risks that every fighter faces when he or she walks into a boxing ring.
“Boxing is what Pat loved to do. It’s how he inspired people and it was something that made him feel alive.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted: “Devastated to hear the news of the passing of Patrick Day.
“I met him for the first time last Thursday, what a charming young man with a dream and a smile that lit up the room.
“Our deepest prayers are with his family, his trainer Joe Higgins, Charles Conwell and promoter Lou DiBella.”
Ring announcer Michael Buffer tweeted: “Just TRAGIC! Words fail me at this time! HORRIBLE NEWS!
“R.I.P. Dear Patrick.
“Everyone in the boxing community is crushed.”
Day was carried away in a stretcher after the powerful punch and has been in a coma ever since – failing to respond to treatment after undergoing brain surgery.
Earlier this week, a spokesperson for his DiBella Entertainment promoter revealed the severity of Day’s situation.
They said: “Patrick Day suffered a traumatic brain injury during his bout on Saturday night.
“He was rushed to Northwestern Memorial hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
“As of Sunday evening, Patrick is in a coma caused by the injury. He is in extremely critical condition.
“On behalf of Patrick’s team, we appreciate the outpouring of support, prayers, and offers of assistance from all corners of the boxing community.”
I never meant for this to happen to you. I can’t stop thinking about it, I prayed for you so many times and shed so many tears.
Charles Conwell
After the fight, Conwell himself tweeting apologising for what happened, saying: “I never meant for this to happen to you.
“All I wanted to do was win. If I could take it all back I would, no-one deserves for this to happen to them.
“I replay the fight over and over in my head thinking what if this never happened and why did it happen to you.
“I can’t stop thinking about it, I prayed for you so many times and shed so many tears because I couldn’t even imagine how my family and friends would feel.
“I see you everywhere I go and all I hear is wonderful things about you.
“I thought about quitting boxing but I know that’s not what you would want, I know you were a fighter at heart so I decided not to, but to fight and win a world title.
“That’s what you wanted and that’s what I want, so I’ll use you as motivation every day and make sure I always leave it all in the ring every day.”
On Sunday, promoter Lou DiBella had pleaded with fans to pray, tweeting: “Please pray for Patrick Day. Please. Such a good person.”
