The plight of Patrick Day and Charles Conwell

Patrick Day

THERE was another boxing casualty over the weekend, another reason to look in the mirror and ask ourselves why. Nobody has done more soul searching than Charles Conwell since the man he knocked out in 10 rounds, 27-year-old Patrick Day, was rushed to hospital following their bout in Chicago on Saturday night.

Fingers always point at times like this. The officials, the trainers, the governing bodies and the doctors are all asked some serious questions. Yet it’s nearly always the opponent, whose hands ache from the damage they caused, who feels the most blame.

Cornwell penned a letter to Day, who at the time of writing was in a coma and fighting for survival, before Patrick’s coach, Joe Higgins, replied. Both letters should act as a reminder to anyone who chooses to take the potential consequences of this sport lightly.  

“I never meant this to happen to you,” Cornwell began.

“All I ever wanted to do was win. If I could take it all back I would no one deserves for this to happen to them. I replay the fight over and over in my head thinking what if this never happened and why did it happen to you.

“I can’t stop thinking about it myself I prayed for you so many times and shed so many tears because I couldn’t even imagine how my family and friends would feel. I see you everywhere I go and all I hear is wonderful things about you.

“I thought about quitting boxing but I know that’s not what you would want. I know that you were a fighter at heart so I decided not to but to fight and win a world title because that’s what you wanted and that’s what I want, so I’ll use you as motivation every day and make sure I always leave it in the ring every time.

“With compassion, Charles Conwell”

Day’s coach, Joe Higgins, replied. “Thank you for your kind words,” he wrote.

“Patrick was born across the street from me so our relationship is special. He would have wanted you to continue. I am rooting for you to reach your dream, the same one he had.

“I too am distraught because I feel responsible but do realise there is no fault. Stay strong and please don’t think we blame you.”

The thoughts of everyone at Boxing News are with both fighters, their teams and their families.

  • FULL credit to Josh Warrington for his continued brilliant form. Perhaps the most impressive of thing of all is how he seems to have retained his focus. We have seen countless world champions, particularly when faced with fighters like Sofiane Takoucht, allow their attention and desire to wander yet Warrington appears to be hungrier for success than ever before. His skills merit praise but it’s his character – and the strength of mind behind it – that should serve as the biggest source of inspiration for up-and-coming fighters.
  • IT was horrifying to watch footage the car driven by WBA and WBC welterweight champion Errol Spence Jnr roll violently and burst into flames. Thankfully, Spence got out alive and is expected to make a full recovery. Boxing News wish him well.
  • I WAS delighted to attend Chas and Kymberly Taylor’s Annual Boxing Memorabilia Fayre in London at the weekend. Upon walking through the doors of the Dick Collins Hall I was taken back to the dreams of my childhood – dreams I still occasionally have now – where I am surrounded by boxing magazines, books, clothing, posters, gloves, shorts, photos, autographs and, best of all, like-minded people. With the addition of a bar at the back of the room, it really is something of a utopia for the boxing geek and I can’t recommend it enough. The next one is set for October 10, 2020. Keep it free.

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