British boxer Sherif Lawal, 29, dies after pro debut

British fighter Sherif Lawal died Sunday night after he collapsed during his debut professional match in the United Kingdom.

Lawal was fighting his first major bout at the Harrow Leisure Centre in a suburb northwest of London when the incident occurred, according to match promoter Warren Boxing Management.

The company extended its condolences to Lawal’s friends and family in a statement posted on social media.

“Unfortunately during Sherif’s fight, he collapsed and despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he was later pronounced dead,” the statement said.

The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed Lawal’s death in a statement Monday.

“The thoughts of all those involved in Boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time,” the board said.

Lawal was 29 years old.