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

Sherif Lawal died after making his pro boxing debut. Photo / Warren Boxing Management

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. 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.”

RIP to Middleweight Sherif Lawal 🪽🥀 Past away last night on his debut😔💔 pic.twitter.com/LoSJCIRA8H

— DTG (@dtgyeahyeah) May 13, 2024

Warren Boxing Management released a statement following his death.

”Last night, Sherif Lawal was making his debut at a show at Harrow Leisure Centre, in which our boxer Courtney Bennett was scheduled to fight. Unfortunately during Sherif’s fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead.

”Warren Boxing Management would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time.”