British boxer Sherif Lawal dies after being knocked down in pro debut

Sherif Lawal was knocked down by a blow to the head from Malam Varela in the fourth round of a scheduled six-round middleweight fight on Sunday at Harrow Leisure Centre.

Representative Photo: | Photo Credit: Getty Images

A British boxer has died after he lost on his professional debut in London.

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— BBBofC (@BBBofCuk) May 13, 2024

Sherif Lawal was knocked down by a blow to the head from Malam Varela in the fourth round of a scheduled six-round middleweight fight on Sunday at Harrow Leisure Centre. The referee waved it off to allow paramedics to attend to Lawal. He was taken to hospital but died. He was 29.

“The British Boxing Board of Control sends their condolences to the family of Sherifdeen Lawal following his tragic passing after his Boxing contest on Sunday,” the board posted on X on Monday. ”The thoughts of all those involved in Boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”