By Victor Kanayo
A British boxer, Sherif Lawal, has been confirmed dead after his professional fight against a Portuguese – Malam Varela.
This was disclosed in a statement by Warren Boxing Management.
Part of the statement reads, “Despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead.
“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.”
Lawal was fighting Portuguese opponent Varela when he was struck in the temple, during the fourth of six-round middleweight fight at London’s Harrow Leisure Centre on May 12.
Medical first responders reportedly tended to Lawal at the scene before he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Doctors jumped into the ring and performed CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on the canvas for more than 10 minutes before taking him to Northwick Park Hospital, where they certified him dead.
Lawal started boxing in 2018 and decided to turn professional earlier this year as a middleweight.
Lawal’s trainer, CJ Hussein, tended to his stricken boxer as the British Boxing Board of Control’s ringside doctors and paramedics administered CPR for “10-15 minutes” before a defibrillator was employed for several minutes in the ring.
In their condolence message, British Boxing Board of Control said, “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.”
