Boxer Scott Westgarth has died at the age of 31.
Westgarth was rushed to hospital following his points decision victory over Dec Spelman at the Doncaster Dome on Saturday night.
It had seemed like a routine win in an exciting fight, with Westgarth even agreeing to a post-fight interview but it quickly became clear that something wasn’t right with the fighter.
The rest of the show was cancelled after Westgarth fell ill backstage and, on Monday morning, the tragic news came from his promoter, Stefy Bull, that he had passed away in hospital.
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
“God bless Scott Westgarth,” Bull wrote.
“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, its’s been the hardest few days I’ve had to endure.
“No idea what to do moving forward.”
Westgarth’s opponent on the night has paid tribute to him while the boxing community has come together in mourning for a competitor who never gave anything but his all in the ring.
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
Our thoughts and condolences with the family of Scott Westgarth, may he rest in peace 🙏🏼😔
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/curtiswoodhous8/status/968029404331958272
Saddened to hear of Boxer Scott Westgarth passing after his fight on Saturday – prize fighting is the noble art – but the price the fighters pay for that privilege, is a tough burden to bear in moments like this 🙏🏾 RIP ✨
— Audley Harrison MBE (@audleyharrison) February 26, 2018
So sad to hear the news of Scott Westgarth. Thinking of his family and friends. Such a cruel sport at times and this is why every person who steps through them ropes to fight deserves respect #RIPchamp x
— Martin Murray (@MartinMurrayBox) February 26, 2018
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
