Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dundee boxer ‘critical’ after knockout in fight
A DUNDEE professional boxer was today in a critical condition at a Glasgow hospital after being knocked out in a fight.
“Iron” Mike Towell had been boxing at the Radisson Blu Hotel last night in a final eliminator for the British welterweight title against Welshman Dale Evans when he was knocked out in the fifth round.
His manager said he had suffered “a serious injury” in the bout, which was screened live on STV Glasgow and was now on a ventilator.
Today his family remained by his bedside in Glasgow.
The 25-year-old was stretchered away from the ring after the fight and rushed to hospital.
Shortly afterwards his manager Tommy Gilmour told the Tele: “He’s on a ventilator and we are waiting to hear what the next medical move will be.
“Depending on the result of a scan, Michael may be transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University hospital.”
Today, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed Mike was still in their care.
Mr Gilmour said family and friends were waiting on an update from medical staff this morning.
He added: “He has suffered a serious injury and that’s all I can say at the moment.”
Mike’s opponent, Dale, said he would not be celebrating until he heard that his fellow boxer was OK.
On a Twitter post, with a drawing of two hands clasped together in a prayer, he wrote: “All of my thoughts and prayers are with Mike, family and friends right now.
“Celebrations can be put on hold until we hear more.”
Mike was undefeated going into the contest, having won 11 bouts and drawn one.
Speaking to the Tele on Wednesday, just prior to the contest, he said his training had “gone well” adding: “I am in the best shape been in.
“I am feeling really good and I can’t wait for the fight to start. I j ust want to get i n there.”
Today, fellow Dundonian professional boxer Paul Kean, 23, said he was praying that his close friend would make a full recovery.
He said: “I have not heard anything yet about how he is — I just hope to God he is OK.
“He is one of my good mates, he was a year above me at St John’s High School.”
Today, dozens of concerned viewers of the fight took to social media to pray for Mike. I have ever
One said: “Big up my brother, local fighter Mike Towell.
“Wish you all the best, hope you’re OK.”
Another friend added: “This is a post for Mikie Towell who will always be our warrior.
“Let’s just get together and support this guy.
“Let’s rally round him and hope everything’s OK.”
Meanwhile, St Andrew’s Sporting Club, which arranged the fight, tweeted to its followers: “Our immediate concern is with Mike Towell.”