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

British boxer Sherif Lawal.–Photo from Wild Card Boxing Club Instagram

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

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.

READ: Mexican teen boxer dies of injuries suffered in ring

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.”