Mike Towell dies aged 25 after suffering injury on Thursday
Saturday 1 October 2016 15:41, UK
Scottish boxer Mike Towell has died in hospital after he was seriously injured in a bout on Thursday night.
The 25-year-old suffered a fifth-round loss to Dale Evans in a St Andrews Sporting Club fight at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow and was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
His management said he passed away with his family at his bedside. A statement is expected to be issued on Saturday morning.
The event was being broadcast on STV Glasgow when Towell, from Dundee, was fatally injured.
St Andrews Sporting Club said Towell "will always be in our hearts".
Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted: "Absolutely devastated by the passing of Mike Towell - all of our thoughts with his friends and family at this time."
Former European champion Spencer Oliver tweeted: "So saddened to hear of the devastating news that Mike Towell has passed away, my thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends. #RIP x."
Boxer Tommy Coyle, former international lightweight champion, said: "Wow Mike Towell may you rest in peace and know that every fighting man has nothing but respect for you."
Towell had been undefeated going into Thursday's fight, with 11 previous wins and one draw on his professional record, and the bout was an eliminator for the British welterweight title.
According to the BoxRed database of professional fights, Towell was knocked down in the first round and again in the fifth prior to the stoppage.
The bout was refereed by Victor Loughlin, who was also in charge of the British middleweight title fight in March between Chris Eubank Jr and Nick Blackwell, which ended the latter's career after he suffered a bleed on the skull when he was stopped in 10 rounds.
