Scottish boxer Mike Towell has died in hospital after he was seriously injured in a bout.
The 25-year-old had to be carried from the ring on a stretcher after a fifth-round loss to Dale Evans in a St Andrews Sporting Club fight in Glasgow on Thursday night.
Towell, from Dundee, was then rushed to the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital by ambulance, accompanied by his promoter Tommy Gilmour.
Heartbreaking news that Mike Towell has passed away. God bless Mike and his family, our thoughts & prayers are with them 🙏🏻 #RIPIronMike pic.twitter.com/isuLUIE0wK
— sportsviewlondon (@sportviewlondon) October 1, 2016
The death was confirmed by Towell’s management, who are expected to release a statement on Saturday.
The British Boxing Board of Control, the sport’s governing body and licensing authority, has yet to comment.
Towell’s partner Chloe Ross posted a tribute to him on Facebook, saying she was “absolutely heartbroken” but he had “fought right to the end”.
She wrote: “It has been the longest 24 hours of our lives. My baby has lost his daddy. But he will be so, so proud of his dad in what he achieved.”
The couple had been together for more than eight years and had a young son, Rocco.
Members of the boxing community have taken to social media to pay tribute to Towell, dubbed “Iron Mike”.
Devastating news... RIP Mike Towell, my sincere condolences to his family...🙏🏼
— Frank Bruno MBE (@frankbrunoboxer) October 1, 2016
RIP Mike towell people need to understand boxing is not a game 'sad moment for the sport God bless his family at this horrible time
— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) October 1, 2016
Absolutely devastated by the passing of Mike Towell - all of our thoughts with his friends and family at this time
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) October 1, 2016
Thoughts are with Mike Towell and his family. Goes to show what us boxers put on the line to win belts and earn a living for our family #RIP
— Brian Rose (@Brian_Lion_Rose) October 1, 2016
Heartbreaking news that Mike Towell has lost his life. May he rest in peace, thoughts go out to his loved ones. #RIP
— Shane McGuigan (@McGuigans_Gym) October 1, 2016
Evans has yet to comment on his opponent’s death, but described Towell as a “true warrior” in a statement issued after he was taken to hospital.
The Welshman added: “I never wanted to see my opponent being stretchered out of the ring. Who would ever want that sight? That was so hard for his family and my heart goes out to them.”
The event at the Radisson Blu Hotel was being broadcast on STV Glasgow when Towell was injured.
The boxer had been undefeated going into the bout – which was an eliminator for the British welterweight title – with 11 previous wins and one draw on his professional record.
According to the BoxRec database of professional fights, Towell was knocked down in the first round and again in the fifth prior to the stoppage.
