British light heavyweight Scott Westgarth dies following victory in Doncaster

British boxer Scott Westgarth has died in hospital after falling ill following a light-heavyweight fight in Doncaster, England against fellow Briton Dec Spelman on Saturday.

The 31-year-old won the English title eliminator bout on points after being knocked down by his opponent, but appeared be in pain during post-fight interviews and was then taken to hospital after falling ill.

Paramedics were then called to help the Northumberland boxer as his condition deteriorated backstage.

The rest of the show, headlined by former West Bromich Albion soccer player Curtis Woodhouse who was due to fight in a Commonwealth light-welterweight title eliminator, was cancelled.

Westgarth, who was the underdog going into Saturday’s bout, was chasing an English title fight.

His previous record was six wins, two losses and a draw.

The news was announced by Westgarth’s promoter for the weekend fight, Stefy Bull, who said the boxer was “a young man doing a job he loves.”

Westgarth’s opponent on the night, Spelman, also paid his tribute.

The boxing world has also paid tribute to Wesgarth, who grew up in Prudhoe but was living and working in South Yorkshire.

Let’s hope the wider boxing community, especially fellow professionals and promoters, will continue to support Westgarth’s family both emotionally and financially.

A tragic event like this really puts boxing into perspective and from all of us at Bad Left Hook, I’d like to extend our personal condolences to the Westgarth family.