British Boxer Passes Away in His Professional Debut

British middleweight boxer Sherif Lawal passed away on Sunday after collapsing in the ring during his first professional fight. The British Boxing Board of Control issued a statement of condolence on Monday after the promoters announced the boxer's death at the age of 29. Media reports indicated that Lawal sustained an injury to his temple during the fourth round of a scheduled six-round fight against Portuguese Malam Varela at the Harrow Leisure Centre in London. The promoting company, Warren Boxing Management, stated: "Unfortunately, Sherif collapsed during the fight, and despite the efforts of the paramedics, he passed away." The fight was the first in an event that was subsequently canceled.