Yesterday evening (May 12), tragedy struck at Harrow Leisure Centre when middleweight Sherif Lawal tragically lost his life.
In the opening contest of the card, scheduled for six rounds, the 29-year-old fighter faced Malam Valera.
During the fourth round, Lawal was knocked down by a right hand to the temple from Valera. Referee Lee Every initiated the count but halted the fight as he could see Sherif was in distress. Trainer CJ Hussein and medical personnel rushed to his aid, administering CPR for 10-15 minutes. Lawal was then transported to Northwick Park hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead.
The MC of the event announced the cancellation of the show, a decision respected by the audience, including many Albanians who were there to support light-heavyweight Amarildo Bakaj and cruiserweight Roberto Bakaj.
Lawal was a dedicated member of the St Pancras Amateur Boxing Club, participating in the National Elite championships last year.
In a recent article in the Camden New Journal, Hussein praised Lawal as an inspiration to younger boxers at the gym.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of Sherif during this difficult time.