“British Middleweight Sherif Lawal Dies After Collapsing During Professional Debut,” Fight Organisers Confirm.
Lawal, aged 29, was participating in the opening bout of a four-fight card organised by Costakis Evangelou at Harrow Leisure Centre. Scheduled for six rounds, Lawal faced Malam Varela.
In the fourth round, Lawal was struck by a right hand from Varela, causing him to fall to the canvas.
Referee Lee Every initiated the count but stopped the bout immediately upon recognising Lawal’s distress.
According to a source at ringside, the fight had been evenly matched until the end of the third round when Lawal was stunned by a right hand over the jab just moments before the bell rang.
“After both fighters exchanged blows at the bell, referee Lee Every intervened to separate them. Lawal, starting the fourth round with a high guard, appeared unharmed.
“However, he was struck with a right hand to the temple, causing him to spin around and fall to his haunches against the ropes.”
Lawal’s trainer, CJ Hussein, attended to him while ringside doctors and paramedics from the British Boxing Board of Control administered CPR for approximately “10-15 minutes” before using a defibrillator for several minutes in the ring.
Despite efforts, Lawal was pronounced dead at the nearby Northwick Park Hospital due to cardiac arrest.
The rest of the scheduled fights were canceled.
Robert Smith, the General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, expressed shock over the tragic incident, stating, “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 Lawal, from Islington, has been boxing since 2018 and participated in the National Elite Championships last year before turning professional earlier this year.
Hussein described Lawal as “a real inspiration to all the younger boxers in the gym” when speaking to the Camden New Journal.
The British Boxing Board of Control released a statement offering condolences to Lawal’s family, saying, “Condolences to the family of Sherif Lawal following his tragic passing.
“The thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”
Warren Boxing Management, Lawal’s representation, also extended condolences, stating, “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.”
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