A British welterweight title contender has died in hospital from injuries from a fifth round knock out.
Unbeaten Dundee fighter Mike Towell was knocked out by his opponent Dale Evans in a welterweight title eliminator on Thursday night.
‘Iron Mike’ was stretchered out of the ring and rushed to hospital immediately after the fight at St Andrews Sporting Club in Glasgow.
The 25-year-old, who is a young father, was put on a life support machine but his management team confirm in the early hours of Saturday morning that Towell had died.
The Dundee Courier report that Towell, who had 11 wins and a draw on his professional record going into the fight, was knocked down in the first round by his opponent – but managed to carry on fighting.
He was knocked down again in the fifth round by a left hook from his Welsh opponent but got back to his feet. The fight was called by the referee Victor Loughlin, who officiated the Chris Eubank Jr vs Nick Blackwell fight which left the former champion in a coma.
But Towell was put on oxygen and carried from the ring before being taken to hospital.
It is understood he suffered severe brain injuries – including a severe bleed and swelling on the brain – and never regained consciousness.
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 Box (@sportviewlondon) October 1, 2016
Tributes have poured in from his family, his fans and figures across the boxing world.
“Today once he was taken off his life support he managed 12 hours – 12 whole rounds off his life support,” Chloe Ross, the mother of Towell’s young son, told the Dundee Courier.
“He fought right to the end and he’s done us all so proud and I’m so glad I got to spend eight and a half years with the absolute plonker and still have the best thing that ever happened to us, Rocco – a part of him with me forever.”
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
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
Boxing is such a cruel sport at times!Sad waking up to the news that Mike Towell has passed away. RIP m8. Thinking of his family & friends x
— Martin Murray (@MartinMurrayBox) 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
Rip Mike towell.. My deepest condolences to his family.. ❤️
— Frankie Gavin ₯ (@frankiegavin1) October 1, 2016
Sad sad news . Thoughts are with his family and friends RIP X https://t.co/gU0TJHRQiR
— Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) October 1, 2016
