The world of international boxing is once again in mourning after hearing the news of the death of the British boxer Sheriff Lawal, who lost his life during his first fight as a professional. The 29-year-old boxer faced the Portuguese Malam Varela for the middleweight division at the Harrow Leisure Center in London.
The tragic episode occurred after the British received a direct blow to the temple, which made him fall unconscious on the ring. The referee of the fight, Lee Every had started the protection count, but realized that something was wrong and quickly called for medical assistance.
Despite the quick action of the medical staff, who performed CPR maneuvers for 10 minutes that included the use of a defibrillator inside the ring, Northwick Park Hospital confirmed his death after the transfer was completed. The news led to the cancellation of the event called Clash of titansin which Lawal made his debut.
Costakis Evangeloupromoter of the event, expressed his regret in statements to the British newspaper The Sun: “This was a tragic incident and my deepest condolences to Sherif’s family. It is a difficult time for everyone involved in the boxing fraternity and we are trying to come to terms with what has happened. Nobody wants to see something like that in any sport. Sherif was a great boxer and a great man. He is now in the hands of the Council and they will evaluate the incident.”
The tragic news also resonated among prominent figures in the world of boxing, such as the world heavyweight champion, Tyson Furywho offered his condolences and reflected on the risks inherent to the sport. “May God rest his soul. When you enter this world (boxing), you know that it is a dangerous sport. You go in there and they pay you hazard money; They are taking out your brain; You’re not there to tickle yourself to death; we are there to inflict damage on each other by hitting each other in the head and body… Unfortunately, things like this happen from time to time.
We all know what we’re getting into. It’s like people who skydive, from time to time the parachute doesn’t open and they fall to the ground. “That doesn’t stop everyone from jumping with a parachute,” added the Briton, in statements prior to his expected fight against Oleksandr Usyk. Besides Fury acknowledged being aware of the risks, stating: “I have known the risks all my life; It is what it is” and he concluded with a reflection on fatality: “If it is my time and it is God’s will, then I will die.” If not, I will live.”
Warren Boxing Management, a prominent promoter in the United Kingdom, also joined the expressions of regret with a statement in which she deeply regretted what happened and extended her condolences to Lawal’s family, friends, coaches and loved ones. “Last night Sherif Lawal was due to make his debut at an evening at the Harrow Leisure Centre, where our boxer Courtney Bennett was also on the competition programme. Unfortunately, during the Sherif fight, “He collapsed and despite doctors’ best efforts, he was later pronounced dead.”
It should be noted that Sherif Lawal had started his boxing career in 2018 and This year he decided to make the leap to professionalism.
