British Boxer Dies After Winning Fight But Collapsing Backstage

British Boxer Dies After Winning Fight But Collapsing Backstage
Tom Ozimek
2/26/2018
Updated:
2/26/2018

A boxer one victory away from becoming the English light heavyweight champion has died after winning a grueling 10-round fight.

Scott Westgarth, 31, battled Dec Spelman in an English title eliminator bout on Saturday, Feb. 24, MailOnline reported, and won the fight on points.

But during the post-fight interview the 31-year-old fighter showed signs that something was amiss. Images from the question and answer session surfaced on social media, showing Westgarth holding his hand up to his head and grimacing.

According to Metro, Westgarth headed backstage afterwards and was taken to hospital by paramedics.

He subsequently died of a suspected brain hemorrhage.

Westgarth’s promoter, Stefy Bull, has confirmed that the boxer passed away on Sunday, posting this tribute on Monday.

Bull wrote, “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 to your family and your team, it’s been the hardest few days I’ve had to endure.”

Former football player Curtis Woodhouse was to fight the headline match at Saturday’s show. His bout was cancelled after Westgarth was taken ill. He posted this tribute afterwards.

More salutes to the deceased fighter have poured in.

Westgarth’s final bout was held at The Dome, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

The remaining fights of the night were cancelled in the wake of the tragedy.

Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
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