PAProfessional boxer Scott Westgarth has died after winning a fight against Dec Spelman.
The 31-year-old light heavyweight collapsed backstage after the 10 round title eliminator fight on Saturday, which took place at the Doncaster Dome.
He was rushed to hospital where he has now passed away, having suffered suspected bleeding on his brain.
Heartbreaking news about Scott Westgarth. RIP champ
— Curtis Woodhouse (@curtiswoodhous8) February 26, 2018
Both Westgarth and Spelman are reported to have experienced knockdowns during the fight, which had been brutal.
Westgarth had been able to give an interview after his win, however fans noted how he seemed ill while answering questions.
Spelman tweeted the following message after Westgarth’s condition worsened:
Praying @scottwestgarth pulls through devastated is an understatement thoughts and prayers with his family.
Praying @scottwestgarth pulls through devastated is an understatement thoughts and prayers with his family. ? Xxx
— dec spelman (@dec_spelman) February 25, 2018
Former Birmingham and Hull footballer Curtis Woodhouse’s headline fight was cancelled following Westgarth’s collapse, with Woodhouse tweeting at the time:
Prayers are with Scott Westgarth this evening, sometimes with all the hype around boxing you forget how dangerous this sport is.
My fight with [Wayne Hibbert] is irrelevant and means nothing compared to life. Fingers crossed Scott is ok.
Woodhouse later tweeted:
Sometimes you have to wonder what the hell we are all doing and if it’s all worth it.
When you weigh it all up you are crazy to take part in boxing.
Chris Eubank called it a mugs game years ago and got slaughtered for it, Chris was bang on the money, it’s a mugs game.
Prayers are with Scott Westgarth this evening, sometimes with all the hype around boxing you forget how dangerous this sport is. My fight with @JWHIBBERT is irrelevant and means nothing compared to life. Fingers crossed Scott is ok
— Curtis Woodhouse (@curtiswoodhous8) February 24, 2018
Our thoughts and condolences with the family of Scott Westgarth, may he rest in peace ???
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 26, 2018
Sometimes you have to wonder what the hell we are all doing and if it's all worth it. When you weigh it all up you are crazy to take part in boxing. Chris Eubank called it a mugs game years ago and got slaughtered for it, Chris was bang on the money, it's a mugs game
— Curtis Woodhouse (@curtiswoodhous8) February 25, 2018
Tributes have poured in for Westgarth, from boxing professionals and fans alike.
Promoter Stefy Bull – organiser of Saturday’s show – has made the following tweet:
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 2 yr family and yr team it’s been the hardest few days I’ve had to endure no idea what 2 do moving forward.
Sports promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted:
Our thoughts and condolences with the family of Scott Westgarth, may he rest in peace
God bless @scottwestgarth 2 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 2 yr family and yr team it’s been the hardest few days I’ve had to endure no idea what 2 do moving forward ??
— Stefy Bull (@StefyBull) February 26, 2018
Last nights tragedy has left me questioning my time in Boxing doing my best to be strong as this man goes in tonight live on Sky Sports we are here to do a job and win a fight nothing more nothing less respect and good health to all boxers fighting tonight ? pic.twitter.com/E0ggHOpHG4
— Stefy Bull (@StefyBull) February 25, 2018
Our thoughts and condolences with the family of Scott Westgarth, may he rest in peace ???
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 26, 2018
Scott Westgarth was a 31-year-old boxer, originally from Northumberland. His record was six wins, two draws and one defeat with a 20% knockout (KO) rate.
According to the BBC, Westgarth had been considered the ‘underdog’ of the fight.
Devastating news for Scott Westgarth’s friends and family. So sad for them and for all involved in boxing. Thoughts and prayers with his family and condolences to all at Sheffield Boxing Centre. RIP.
— Jonathan Parry (@ParryPazzer) February 26, 2018
Our thoughts are with the family of Scott Westgarth at this difficult time.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.