Boxer Sherif Lawal Dead At 29 After Getting KO'd During Debut Fight

British boxer Sherif Lawal died Sunday (May 12) night at the age of 29 after collapsing in the ring during his professional debut match, promoter Warren Boxing Management confirmed in a statement shared on its Instagram account Monday (May 13).

“Last night, Sherif Lawal was making his debut at a show at Harrow Leisure Centre, in which our boxer Courtney Bennett was scheduled to fight," the statement reads. "Unfortunately during Sherif’s fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead.

"Warren Boxing Management would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time.”

Lawal, a native of London, was knocked down by a headshot from opponent Malan Varela during the fourth round of their six-round middleweight fight at Harrow Leisure Centre Sunday night. The referee stopped the fight as paramedics tended to Lawal, who was take to the hospital and pronounced dead.

"Condolences to the family of Sherif Lawal following his tragic passing," said the British Boxing Board of Control, the governing body of boxing in the United Kingdom, in a statement obtained by BBC.com. "The thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time."