BRITISH boxer Scott Westgarth died on Sunday morning after being rushed to hospital following his victory over Dec Spellman.
The 31-year-old had beaten Spellman on points in an English light-heavyweight title eliminator on Saturday before falling ill backstage, having suffered a knockdown late on.
Westgarth was taken to the Royal Hallamshire hospital — he had fought at The Dome in Doncaster — and died in the early hours on Sunday, the British Boxing Board of Control has confirmed to Press Association Sport.
God bless @scottwestgarth 2 promote a Boxing show and a young man doing a job he loves losing his life I have no words RIP lad thoughts go out 2 yr family and yr team it’s been the hardest few days I’ve had to endure no idea what 2 do moving forward
— Stefy Bull (@StefyBull) February 26, 2018
His points victory over Spellman, which represented the seventh win of a 10-fight career, had been scheduled on the undercard of Curtis Woodhouse-John Wayne Hibbert, which was postponed and then cancelled after Westgarth fell ill.
The show’s promoter Stefy Bull said on social media: “God bless Scott Westgarth. To promote a boxing show and a young man doing a job he loves losing his life, I have no words.
“RIP lad, thoughts go out to your family and your team, it’s been the hardest few days I’ve had to endure. No idea what to do moving forward.”
Our thoughts and condolences with the family of Scott Westgarth, may he rest in peace
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 26, 2018
Westgarth conducted a post-fight interview before his condition declined, and was treated by paramedics prior to being taken to hospital.
The board’s general secretary Robert Smith told Press Association Sport: “I’ve spoken to the doctors and officials in charge and am satisfied with the procedures. It’s a terrible thing that’s happened. My condolences to all of his family.”
Westgarth was a former ski instructor who worked as a chef at Sheffield’s Royal Victoria Holiday Inn, having lived in Penistone and originated from the north-east.
Absolutely heartbroken and lost for words ail continue to pray for Scott’s family and the people close to him rest easy my friend xxx
— dec spelman (@dec_spelman) February 26, 2018
Further social media tributes have since come in from the boxing community, including from 26-year-old Spellman, who had suffered his first defeat, and posted: “Absolutely heartbroken and lost for words. I’ll continue to pray for Scott’s family and the people close to him. Rest easy my friend.”
Heartbreaking this. Thoughts to his friends and family. And to anyone involved in the show. Rest in peace young man x https://t.co/ubgrfx8nIm
— Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) February 26, 2018
Woodhouse added: “Heartbreaking news about Scott Westgarth. RIP champ”, while Ricky Hatton wrote: “Heartbreaking this. Thoughts to his friends and family. And to anyone involved in the show. Rest in peace young man.”
Heart breaking to hear the news that Scott Westgarth has passed away. It’s a stark reminder of how dangerous this sport is. RIP
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) February 26, 2018
Carl Frampton posted: “Heart breaking to hear the news that Scott Westgarth has passed away. It’s a stark reminder of how dangerous this sport is. RIP.”
Condolences to the family of Scott Westgarth, My thoughts and prayers are with you all
— Kell Brook (@SpecialKBrook) February 26, 2018
Kell Brook tweeted: “Condolences to the family of Scott Westgarth, My thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
