Boxing

British boxer Scott Westgarth dies hours after winning fight

Westgarth, who was 31, was rushed to hospital following his victory over Dec Spellman.

AFP
London 26 February, 2018 18:46 IST
AFP
London 26 February, 2018 18:46 IST

British boxer Scott Westgarth died after falling ill in the aftermath of winning an English light-heavyweight title eliminator bout on Saturday.

Westgarth, who was 31, was rushed to hospital following his victory over Dec Spellman, but died in the early hours of Sunday morning, the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed.

"God bless Scott Westgarth. To promote a boxing show and a young man doing a job he loves losing his life, I have no words. RIP lad, thoughts go out to your family and your team, it's been the hardest few days I've had to endure. No idea what to do moving forward," the show's promoter Stefy Bull posted on Twitter.

Spellman also paid his respects. "Absolutely heartbroken and lost for words," he said on Twitter. "Continue to pray for Scott's family and the people close to him rest easy my friend."

Support Sportstar

Dear Reader,

Support our journalism — where text and pictures intermingle so seamlessly — and help us scale up your experience as the world changes around us. Your contribution is vital to our brand of uninfluenced, boots-on-the-ground reportage that’s worth your while. Clickbait sensationalism is not for us, but editorial independence is — we owe it to you.