London-based boxer Sherif Lawal has died after he collapsed in the ring during his professional debut on Sunday.

In the opening bout of a four-fight card promoted by Costakis Evangelou, 29-year-old Lawal took on Malam Varela in a bout scheduled for six rounds at Harrow Leisure Centre.

In the fourth round, a right hand from Varela landed on the temple of Lawal, who then dropped to the canvas. Referee Lee Every began his count but recognised that Lawal was in distress and immediately halted the bout.

According to a BoxingScene source at ringside, the contest had been evenly fought until the end of the third round when Lawal was stunned by “a right hand over the jab that landed seconds before the bell sounded.