Middleweight Boxer Sherif Lawal Dies On His Pro Debut – ‘RIP’

Lawal’s trainer, CJ Hussein, was joined by the ringside doctor and paramedics in tending to the fighter. Lawal was given CPR immediately for 10-15 minutes. He was transported to Northwick Park Hospital in an ambulance, only to be declared dead. CJ Hussein had trained John McDermott, who faced Tyson Fury in 2009. Many believed that McDermott had beaten Fury, only not to get the decision. Hussein spoke glowingly of Lawal as he backed him to have a bright future in the sport. 

“I think the pro game will suit Sherif down to a tee, he’s got all the talent to become a great middleweight. He’s a real inspiration to all the younger boxers at the gym,” Hussein said

Numerous tributes and reaction have poured in. 

Lawal’s Passing

“Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shock Eyewitness A witness said: 

“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. He was hurt at the end of round three. [Lawal] then came out for the fourth and final round with his guard up, and took a right to the temple.

“He dropped to his haunches and the referee started a count to ten – but then stopped and waved it off because he could see Sherif was in a bad way. Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator.

“This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shock. Sherif was then taken away on a stretcher before news came through later that he had passed away. This is very rare. All care is taken to ensure the safety of fighters but in a sport like boxing these things occasionally happen. However, that doesn’t make it any less devastating.”

“Went to a boxing show last night and a young man making his debut lost his life,” Benzel Bently boxer

Lawal’s passing is a reminder of the dangers of the sport. We wish him and his family with warm words during this difficult period.