Sherif Lawal, a Nigerian-British boxer residing in London, passed away from a head injury he suffered while making his professional debut.
At the Harrow Leisure Centre in London, the UK, on Sunday, the 29-year-old was defeated by a shot to the head delivered by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela during the fourth round of a scheduled six-round middleweight battle.
Lawal was taken to the hospital but later passed away, according to CBS, after the referee waved it off so that paramedics could react to him.
The British Boxing Board of Control expresses sympathy to Lawal’s family and notes that it was a horrible way for him to pass away.
The British Boxing Board of Control said on social media on Monday, “The Board would like to extend their condolences to the family of Sherifdeen Lawal following his tragic passing after his Boxing contest on Sunday.”
The BBBC said, “The thoughts of all those involved in Boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”
Additionally, on social media, Warren Boxing Management posted the following: “We would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s friends, coaches, and all those close to him at this tragic time.”
