Sherif Lawal, a London-based boxer, died after collapsing in the ring during his professional debut on Sunday.
Lawal, 29, faced Malam Varela in the opening event of a four-fight show produced by Costakis Evangelou at Harrow Leisure Centre.
The fight was scheduled to last six rounds. Varela landed a right hand on Lawal’s temple in the fourth round, causing him to slump to the canvas.
Referee Lee Every began counting but noticed Lawal was in distress and promptly interrupted the match.
According to a BoxingScene insider at ringside, the fight was well contested until the end of the third round, when Lawal was startled by “a right hand over the jab that landed seconds before the bell sounded.”
“They both exchanged on the bell, and the referee, Lee Every, pulled them apart. Lawal then came out with a high guard to start the fourth; he looked fine. He took the right hand to the temple, and his back was to the ropes; he spanked around and then fell on his haunches.”
His trainer, CJ Hussein, cared for his ailing boxer as the British Boxing Board of Control’s ringside doctors and paramedics performed CPR for “10–15 minutes” before using a defibrillator for several minutes in the ring.
He was brought to the neighbouring Northwick Park hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a heart attack.
BoxingScene spoke with Robert Smith, the General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control.
“It’s a tragic incident, and we’re all in shock. We’re now in the process of gathering all the reports from the officials, doctors, and paramedics to attempt to ascertain exactly what happened.
“His boxing medicals were all in order, and we have a report from his GP stating he was fit and well. It’s an awful, tragic thing to happen.”
Sherif, of Islington, began boxing in 2018 and fought in the National Elite Championships last year before turning professional this year.
Hussein hailed Lawal “as a real inspiration to all the younger boxers in the gym,” according to the Camden New Journal at the time.
The British Boxing Board of Control issued a statement expressing its condolences to Sherif Lawal’s family following his tragic death.
“The thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”
Warren Boxing Management, who handled Lawal, said, “We would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches, and all those close to him at this tragic time.”
