Highly-rated boxer Sherif Lawal, 29, dies after collapsing in the ring during his first professional fight
A BOXER has died after collapsing in his first professional fight as heartfelt tributes pour in.
Middleweight Sherif Lawal lost consciousness during the bout with 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 but immediately called time after realising the extent of the 29-year-old’s condition on the canvas.
Sherif, of Islington, was treated in the ring by doctors before being rushed to nearby Northwick Park Hospital.
But he was tragically later pronounced dead despite the efforts of medics.
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
Eyewitness
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.”
‘A REAL INSPIRATION’
Heartfelt tributes have rolled in since the tragic news of Sherif’s death.
Costakis Evangelou, the promoter behind the Clash of the Titans event, told The Sun: “This was a tragic incident and my profound sympathies go out to Sherif’s family.
“It’s a difficult time for everyone involved in the boxing fraternity and we’re trying to absorb what’s happened. No one wants to see something like this in any sport.
“Sherif was a great boxer and man. It’s now in the hands of the Board and they’re going to assess the incident.”
RIP to Sherif Lawal, a lad who has passed away following his boxing debut. An unnecessary reminder of how brutal the sport can be
Dan Hawes
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, fellow boxer Denzel Bentley posted a ‘broken heart’ emoji and penned: “Went to a boxing show last night and a young man making his debut lost his life.”
Among the replies was fight YouTube channel The P4P Boxing Show, which wrote: “RIP Sherif Lawal.”
Sherif had been boxing since 2018. He wrapped up his amateur career and announced he was turning professional earlier this year.
At the time, coach CJ Hussein, who also trained Tyson Fury‘s 2009 opponent John McDermott, said: “I think the pro game will suit Sherif down to a tee, he’s got all the talent to become a great middleweight.
“He’s a real inspiration to all the younger boxers at the gym.”
Anees Taj, whose cruiserweight bout was called off, wrote on Facebook: “Tonight I was supposed to box, however it didn’t happen.
“Sherifdeen Lawal was making his debut and collapsed in the ring, and I have just been informed he has passed away.”
He later added: “After the events of last night and the passing of the Sherif Lawal who was making his debut, my amateur Club St Albans & London Colney ABC would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sherif Lawal, as well as to his amateur / pro coaches over at St Pancras Boxing Club. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.”
Warren Boxing Management said in a statement: “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.
“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.”
Musician and boxer Deji Araoye, 24, who goes by the name DGT fighting under KSI’s Misfits Boxing brand, said: “RIP to Middleweight Sherif Lawal. Passed away last night on his debut.”
Fight fan Dan Hawes wrote on X/Twitter: “RIP to Sherif Lawal, a lad who has passed away following his boxing debut. An unnecessary reminder of how brutal the sport can be.”
A spokesman for the Met Police said it hadn’t been called to the venue over the incident.
The British Board of Boxing Control and London Ambulance Service was approached for comment.