British Middleweight Boxer Sherif Lawal Dies After Collapsing During Professional Debut

British middleweight boxer Sherif Lawal, 29, has died after collapsing during his professional debut on Sunday. Lawal was hit on the temple in the fourth round of his fight by opponent Malam Varela at London's Harrow Leisure Centre.

British Middleweight Boxer Sherif Lawal Dies After Collapsing During Professional Debut

British middleweight boxer Sherif Lawal has died after collapsing during his professional debut on Sunday. The 29-year-old was hit on the temple in the fourth round of his fight by opponent Malam Varela at London's Harrow Leisure Centre.

Fight organizers announced Lawal's death, which came after he collapsed and was pronounced dead despite the best efforts of paramedics.

"Unfortunately during Sherif's fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead," promoters Warren Boxing Management said in a statement.

"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 British Boxing Board of Control added: "The thoughts of all those involved in Boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time."

The fight between Lawal and Varela was the first on the card Sunday. They were scheduled to go six rounds in their bout.

It's an unfortunate truth that deaths in a boxing ring are not uncommon. In 2019, New York native Patrick Day passed away after sustaining injuries during a 2019 match in Chicago.

Day was knocked unconscious during the 10th round of his bout, and he slipped into a coma following brain surgery. However, he would never regain consciousness.

Charles Conwell, an Olympic boxer who Day was facing, said he "shedded so many tears because I couldn’t imagine how my family and friends would feel" in an open letter to Day and his loved ones while he was in a coma.

No additional details of Lawal's death were disclosed.

Lawal's death is a reminder of the dangers of boxing. While the sport is highly regulated, there is always the potential for serious injury or even death.

Our thoughts are with Lawal's family and friends during this difficult time.