Boxer Mike Towell dies in hospital after Glasgow fight

Updated
Boxing at Bellahouston Sports Centre in Glasgow
Boxing at Bellahouston Sports Centre in Glasgow

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.

Towell's partner, Chloe Ross, said he "fought right to the end".

"I'm absolutely heartbroken to say my annoying best friend passed away tonight at 11.02 very peacefully," she wrote.

"Michael had severe bleeding and swelling to his brain.

"He had been complaining of headaches for the last few weeks but we put it down to migraines with the stress of his fight.

"It has been the longest 24 hours of our lives. My baby has lost his daddy. But he will be so so proud of his dad in what he achieved."

Ms Ross added: "Once he was taken off of his life support he managed 12 hours, 12 whole rounds off his life support, he fought right to the end and he's done us all so proud... He left doing the thing he's best at... there's only one."

Trainer Shane McGuigan said on Twitter: "Heartbreaking news that Mike Towell has lost his life. May he rest in peace, thoughts go out to his loved ones. #RIP"

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: "Absolutely devastated by the passing of Mike Towell - all of our thoughts with his friends and family at this time."

Towell was knocked down in the first round of the fight, before recovering to continue the match.

Referee Victor Loughlin stopped the fight in the fifth round after Towell was knocked down a second time.

He received treatment in the ring before being taken to an ambulance on a stretcher.

The boxer had been undefeated going into the fight, with 11 previous wins and one draw on his professional record.

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