British boxer Sheriff Laval dies after collapsing in the ring during his professional debut

Sheriff Laval was pronounced dead in hospital after collapsing in the ring. Photo: Warren Boxing Management

British boxer Sheriff Laval has died after losing consciousness. after being hit to the temple during his professional debut on Sunday.

Laval, a 29-year-old Londoner, was knocked out by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela in the fourth round of their middleweight bout.

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Tyson Fury led the ceremony on Monday night, while the British Boxing Board of Control called his death “tragic.”

Medicals at Harrow Leisure Centre, north-west London, treated Laval in the ring. he was taken to hospital and later pronounced dead. “Condolences to the family of Sheriff Laval on his tragic passing,” the BBofC said. “The thoughts of everyone involved in boxing in the UK are with them at this difficult time.”

Warren Boxing Management, which represented Laval, added: “We would like to express our condolences to all of Sheriff's family, friends, coaches and everyone who was close to him during this tragic time.”

Referee Lee Avery began counting the knockouts, but quickly stopped the fight and called for medical help before he was taken to Northwick Park Hospital. It is reported that he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Laval was trained at St Pancras Boxing Club by CJ Hussein, took up the sport in 2018 and competed in the National Elite Championships last year before turning professional.

“God rest his soul, poor old man,” Fury said at his pre-fight press conference in Saudi Arabia. “When you play this sport, you understand that it is a dangerous sport.”

The remaining three fights at the Clash of the Titans tournament in Harrow have been postponed. Kostakis Evangelou, the event promoter, told The Sun: “This was a tragic incident and my deepest condolences go out to Sheriff’s family. This is a difficult time for everyone in the boxing community and we are trying to make sense of what has happened.

“Nobody wants to see something like this in any sport. The sheriff was a great boxer and man. It is now in the hands of the board and they are going to evaluate the incident.”

Anis Taj, whose heavyweight bout on the card was cancelled, wrote on Facebook: “I was supposed to box tonight, however… did not happen.

“Sherifdin Lawal made his debut and collapsed in the ring, and I was just informed that he had passed away.”