A British boxer has died aged 31 after being rushed to hospital moments after he appeared in pain during a post-fight interview following victory in his bout.
Scott Westgarth had earned a win on points over ten sometimes brutal rounds against Dec Spellman on Saturday, during which both men were knocked down on the canvas.
The light heavyweight was holding his head and wincing in a post-fight interview and stumbled to the back of The Dome in Doncaster before paramedics took him to hospital.
He died at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital last night, prompting tributes from boxing legends including Frank Bruno, Ricky Hatton, as well as British fighter James DeGale and promoter Eddie Hearn.
Boxer Scott Westgarth (centre) died following his points victory over Dec Spelman (left). He looked uncomfortable as he took part in this interview after the bout on Saturday
Westgarth (right) posted this image on social media of his weigh in with Spellman on Friday night. He wrote next to the image: ‘Just wanna thank everyone for helping prepare for this opportunity’
This undated image shows Westgarth and his girlfriend, Natalie, relaxing in a boat during a holiday
Former Sheffield United captain and ex-British champion Curtis Woodhouse was due to face John Wayne Hibbert in the headline fight but this was postponed and then cancelled.
Westgarth’s promoter, Stefy Bull, confirmed the tragic news on social media this morning. He said: ‘God bless Scott Westgarth.
‘To promote a boxing show and a young man doing a job he loves losing his life, I have no words.
‘RIP lad thoughts go out to your family and your team, it’s been the hardest few days I’ve had to endure. No idea what to do moving forward.’
Woodhouse wrote on Twitter after hearing of his death: ‘Heartbreaking news about Scott Westgarth. RIP champ.’
And his opponent, Spelman, wrote: ‘Absolutely heartbroken and lost for words ail continue to pray for Scott’s family and the people close to him rest easy my friend.’
Westgarth, who was trained in Sheffield by Glyn Rhodes and lives in Penistone but is originally from the North East, was knocked down on the ropes just before the bell of round 10.
He had a girlfriend, Natalie, who he praised in a social media post on January 26, her birthday.
Westgarth and his partner, Natalie, are pictured together in undated photos posted on social media
Westgarth praised Natalie in a social media post on January 26, her birthday, in a post accompanied by this undated image of them together
Westgarth’s death prompted tributes from boxing legends including Frank Bruno, Ricky Hatton, as well as British fighter James DeGale and promoter Eddie Hearn. Westgarth’s opponent, Dec Spelman, tweeted that he was ‘heart-broken’
Westgarth wrote: ‘Just wanna say happy birthday to this beauty been absolutely amazing, just over 10 years together, can’t wait to see what adventures we have in store coming u.’
Underneath the post one friend wrote: ‘Popping the question?’
Westgarth, who had no amateur boxing career, worked as a ski instructor before starting boxing at the age of 24
Speaking to boxing news site Boxing Social, he said: ‘I will box anyone. I do it for the fun not because I think I am going to be world class fighter – I just do it purely for entertainment and I am just glad we could put on a show and keep everyone entertained.’
Westgarth, from Penistone, worked as a chef at Sheffield’s Royal Victoria Holiday Inn and his victory meant he was one win away from becoming the English light heavyweight champion.
He won seven of his 10 professional bouts and had inflicted the first defeat of Spelman’s career.
Westgarth (pictured on a run by himself, left, and with his girlfriend Natalie, right) began boxing at the age of 24
Westgarth (left) is seen in an undated image at the Sheffield Boxing Centre with a training partner
Curtis Woodhouse, who was due to appear in the headline bout on Saturday, joined the tributes, as did Westgarth’s agent Stefy Bull, middleweight boxer Martin Murray and promoter Frank Warren
Former WBC champion of the world Frank Bruno MBE wrote: ‘Very saddened to hear a boxer has lost his life, my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. RIP Scott Westgarth.’
Bruno tweeted a link to a Go Fund Me page to raise money for Westgarth’s family, which is currently at £140.
Multiple world champion Ricky Hatton MBE wrote: ‘Heartbreaking this. Thoughts to his friends and family. And to anyone involved in the show. Rest in peace young man x.’
Audley Harrison MBE wrote: ‘Saddened to hear of Boxer Scott Westgarth passing after his fight on Saturday – prize fighting is the noble art – but the price the fighters pay for that privilege, is a tough burden to bear in moments like this RIP.’
Middleweight boxer Martin Murray tweeted: ‘So sad to hear the news of Scott Westgarth. Thinking of his family and friends.
‘Such a cruel sport at times and this is why every person who steps through them ropes to fight deserves respect #RIPchamp x.’
The 31-year-old even completed a post-match interview before he was taken to hospital. He is pictured during a bout against Lee Nutland in Bristol in 2014
Westgarth, pictured in Bristol in 2014, recorded a win, but was quickly rushed to hospital afterwards
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: ‘Our thoughts and condolences with the family of Scott Westgarth, may he rest in peace.’
Mark Vater said: ‘RIP @scottwestgarth You were a cheeky chappy who was thought of very highly by your colleagues and friends! You will leave a big void. Thoughts are with your family! So sad.’
James Hope-Gill said: ‘So sorry to hear that Scott Westgarth has passed away. Devastating news.’
The post Boxer Scott Westgarth dies at the age of 31 following win appeared first on Article Pub.
from WordPress http://ift.tt/2CI5Qxw
No comments:
Post a Comment