Professional 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.