Scottish boxer Mike Towell has died after suffering severe bleeding and swelling to his brain during a bout in Glasgow on Thursday, reported The Guardian.
The 25-year-old Towell was carried out on a stretcher after his fifth-round loss to Dale Evans. Towell was undefeated going into the fight with 11 wins and one draw on his professional record.
According to BBC, Towell was knocked down in the first round but recovered to continue till the fifth round. After being knocked down a second time, he received treatment in the ring and was taken to a hospital.
In a post on Facebook, Towell's partner, Chloe Ross mentioned that Towell had been complaining of headaches for the last few weeks but they had put it down to migraines.
"I'm absolutely heartbroken to say my annoying best friend passed away (Friday night) at 11.02 very peacefully," Ross wrote on Facebook. "Michael had severe bleeding and swelling to his brain. It has been the longest 24 hours of our lives. My baby has lost his daddy. But he will be so proud of his dad in what he achieved. Once he was taken off of his life support, he managed 12 hours, 12 whole rounds off his life support, he fought right to the end and he's done us all so proud."
Evans has not commented on his opponent's death yet but had described Towell as a "true warrior" after the 25-year-old had been admitted to hospital. "I never wanted to see my opponent being stretchered out of the ring. Who would ever want that sight? That was so hard for his family and my heart goes out to them," Evans said.