Tyson Fury leads tributes to boxer who collapsed in the ring during his first professional fight

Tyson Fury has paid tribute to the British boxer who died after collapsing in the ring in his first professional fight.

Sherif Lawal was pronounced dead on Sunday (12 May) after his professional boxing match at Harrow Leisure Centre.

The 29-year-old was up against Portuguese opponent Malam Varela who knocked him down in the fourth of a six-round middleweight fight.

Referee Lee Every waved off the bout as paramedics attended the scene.

Sherif Lawal has died after his first professional fight. (Warren Boxing Management)

Lawal was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Amid the news of his death, the remaining matches on the card were cancelled.

The British Boxing of Control statement said: “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, 12th May 2024.

“The thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”

While Warren Boxing Management, who represented Lawal, said: "We would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time.”

Fury, who will be up against Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday (18 May), paid tribute to Lawal on Monday (13 May).

Tyson Fury has paid tribute to Sherif Lawal. (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The Gypsy King said: "Rest in peace. poor fella. We all know the dangers of getting in the ring. The dangers of having our brains knocked out.

"We're not in there to tickle each other to death. We are there to do serious damage to each other. It's what we're paid for.

"I've known the risks all my life. You know that if it's your time to die it's destiny."

Lawal, from Islington, competed in the National Elite Championships after turning professional earlier this year.

He's been boxing since 2018.

A witness told The Sun: "It's unbelievably sad. This was his pro debut - he has died while chasing his dream.

"His fight was first on the card, but the event was cancelled and the remaining three fights scrapped after Sherif was taken to hospital. That tells you how serious it was."

Costakis Evangelou, the promoter of the Clash of the Titans event, added: "This was a tragic incident and my profound sympathies go out to Sherif's family.

"It's a difficult time for everyone involved in the boxing fraternity and we're trying to absorb what's happened. No one wants to see something like this in any sport.

"Sherif was a great boxer and man. It's now in the hands of the Board and they're going to assess the incident."