A boxer tragically passed away after collapsing in his first professional fight as heartfelt tributes pour in for him via The Sun.
It has been noted that Middleweight Sherif Lawal lost consciousness during the fight against Portuguese opponent Malam Varela at Harrow Leisure Centre in London yesterday after he was struck on the temple.
Referee Lee Every began the knockout count. However, ref immediately called time as he realized the extent of the 29-year-old’s condition on the canvas. Doctors soon rushed in and attended Sherif, of Islington before being taken to nearby Northwick Park Hospital.
Unfortunately, he was tragically later pronounced dead despite the efforts of medics.
A witness said: “It’s unbelievably sad. This was his pro debut – he has died while chasing his dream.
“His fight was first on the card, but the event was cancelled and the remaining three fights scrapped after Sherif was taken to hospital. That tells you how serious it was.
“He was hurt at the end of round three. He then came out for the fourth and final round with his guard up, and took a right to the temple.
“He dropped to his haunches and the referee started a count to ten – but then stopped and waved it off because he could see Sherif was in a bad way.
“Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator.
“This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shock.
“Sherif was then taken away on a stretcher before news came through later that he had passed away.
“This is very rare. All care is taken to ensure the safety of fighters but in a sport like boxing these things occasionally happen. However, that doesn’t make it any less devastating.”
