I box for fun not because I think I’m world class
Fighter on big win... hours before he died
A BOXER who fought “for fun” died within hours of being pictured holding his head in discomfort during ringside interviews after winning a bout.
Light-heavyweight Scott Westgarth, 31, had earned a shot at the English title with his 10-round victory over Dec Spelman.
He said: “I do it for fun, not because I’m going to be a world-class fighter. I’m glad we can keep everybody entertained.”
But he was then pictured with his head in his hands as Spelman was interviewed at the Doncaster Dome on Saturday.
He was sent to hospital and is suspected to have had a bleed on his brain. Boxing chiefs learned of his death on Sunday.
Scott was the third fighter to die in the UK after a professional bout in five years – following Scot Mike Towell, 25, in 2016 and Michael Norgrove, 31, in 2013.
Spelman was “heartbroken” and former champ Carl Frampton said: “It’s a stark reminder of how dangerous this sport is.”
Scott lived with girlfriend Natalie Kerr, 35, in Penistone, South Yorks. His sister Bethannie, 24, said in a tribute: “My big brother, my best friend, my idol and hero.”
British Boxing Board of Control general secretary Robert Smith said: “We’ve got to try to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”