“You’re Not There to Tickle Each Other to Death”: Tyson Fury Leads Boxing World’s Reactions to the Tragic Passing of Sherif Lawal

Yet another soul lost in a tragic incident on Sunday as Tyson Fury shared kind words in mourning! Middleweight boxer, Sherif Lawal, from Islington, London, was facing Portugal’s Malam Varela at the Harrow Leisure Centre in his professional debut. However, tragedy struck in the fourth round when a devastating right hand from Varela met Lawal’s temple, sending the 29-year-old to the canvas. 

The six-round fight, a part of a four-fight event, in the United Kingdom was promoted by Costakis Evangelou. Immediately after the knockout, referee Lee Every started the count, but soon realized there’s something wrong with Lawal and halted the bout. Lawal’s trainer, CJ Hussein, alongside doctors from BBBofC came to tend to the fallen boxer. After 15-20 mins of using a defibrillator, Lawal was driven to the Northwick Park Hospital nearby, where he was pronounced dead because of cardiac arrest. The event was canceled to respect Lawal as many, including Tyson Fury, Lou DiBella expressed their anguish with the tragedy. 

Tyson Fury suggests he knew what he signed up for

After learning about his countryman’s unfortunate passing, Fury spoke to a journalist from Boxing Scene, stating, “God rest his soul, poor old fella.” Fury is about to enter the ring himself on May 18 in the biggest fight of his decorated career, so he reflected on why fighters get into the ring in the first place. 

“You know, getting into this sport that it’s a dangerous sport, you go in there and get paid danger money, you’re getting your brains knocked out; you’re not there to tickle each other to death. We’re there to inflict damage on each other by punching each other to the head and body. Unfortunately, things like this happen now and again. We all know what we’re getting in for,” Fury continued as he compared boxing to paragliding accidents and his own mortality being in the sport. 

Lawal’s promoter Evangelou spoke about the fight to The Sun saying, “This was a tragic incident and my profound sympathies go out to Sherif’s family. It’s a difficult time for everyone to be involved in the boxing fraternity and we’re trying to absorb what happened. No one wants to see something like this in any sport. Sherif was a great boxer and man.” 

Even renowned boxing promoter Lou DiBella hopped on X to spare a few kind words for the fallen fighter. “Boxing is often unforgiving; our athletes don’t play, they fight. Every time they do, they bear great risk. Rest in peace, Sherif Lawal, a young fighter taken in his pro debut, pursuing his dream. Condolences to his family and friends,” DiBella wrote.

In an official statement from BBBofC, General Secretary Robert Smith said, “The British Boxing Board of Control sends their condolences to the family of Sherifdeen Lawal following his tragic passing after his Boxing contest on Sunday, 12th May 2024. The thoughts of all those involved in Boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.” Meanwhile, in an interview with Boxing Scene, Smith shared his next steps in the situation. 

He said, “We’re now in the process of gathering all the reports from the officials, doctors and paramedics to attempt to ascertain exactly what happened. His boxing medicals were all in order and we have a report from his GP stating he was fit and well.” 

Co-promoter Warren Boxing Management also shared an official statement on Instagram after Sherif’s passing, writing, “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.” While the boxing community grieves Sherif’s passing, his coach’s past words shine a light on the bright future he once envisioned for him in the ring.

Sherif Lawal: The Greatest middleweight that could have been

Speaking to Camden New Journal before Sherif’s debut in professional boxing, his coach seemed optimistic about the Islington born fighter. “I think the pro game will suit Sherif down to a tee, he’s got all the talent to become a great middleweight,” said the head coach. Sherif reportedly started boxing in 2018 while training in the St Pancras Amateur Boxing Club, and had competed in National Elite Championships before deciding to turn pro earlier this year. 

Beyond the ring, Hussein was confident his fighter was and will be an inspiration for the rest of his gym mates. “He’s a real inspiration to all the younger boxers at the gym,” Hussein said. The tragic incident isn’t a rare occurrence. Over the years, several young talents have lost their lives after the wrong punch landed in the wrong place. On February 2 this year, something similar happened to 23-year-old Kazuki Anaguchi after a fight in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on December 26.

The somber passing of Sherif Lawal has sent shockwaves throughout the boxing community, reminding everyone about the brutal backdrop of boxing people so often forget amid the glitz and glamor of the sport. Do you agree? Would you like to share some words about Lawal’s passing?