Boxers, promoters and fans have paid tribute to British fighter Scott Westgarth, who has died aged 31.
Westgarth was rushed to hospital after collapsing following his points victory over Dec Spelman in a ten-round title eliminator at the Doncaster Dome on Saturday night. Westgarth is believed to have suffered a bleed on the brain, the Daily Star reports.
The Newcastle fighter had looked uncomfortable during the post-fight interview. Paramedics were called after he was taken ill backstage. He died in Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital last night, according to the Daily Mirror.
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Saturday night’s main bout was cancelled following Westgarth’s collapse. Former footballer Curtis Woodhouse, who was due to fight in the headline event, led the tributes to the light heavyweight. Woodhouse tweeted: “Heartbreaking news about Scott Westgarth. RIP champ.”
Other fighters and promoters also paid tribute on social media. Spelman was horrified to hear the news about Westgarth following their bout on Saturday, tweeting: “Absolutely heartbroken and lost for words. [I will] continue to pray for Scott’s family and the people close to him. Rest easy my friend.”
Stefy Bull, promoter of Saturday’s event.
“May he rest in peace,” said Eddie Hearn.
“This game is so dangerous.”
“A tough burden to bear in moments like this,” said Audley Harrison.
British boxing legend Frank Bruno shared a GoFundMe page set up to help Westgarth’s family following his passing.
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