Boxer would have been suspended over seizures

Board of Control says Mike Towell did not disclose full medical details

Dundee boxer Mike Towell, who died after a fight, would have had his licence suspended if the sport’s governing body had known he had suffered seizures, a fatal accident inquiry heard.

Robert Smith, 56, the general secretary of the British Board of Boxing Control (BBBC) said he did not think Mr Towell had been “open and upfront” in medical examinations with a qualified doctor appointed by the BBBC in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

The former professional boxer said those involved with Mr Towell who had known of any issues should have raised them with the board.

He was giving evidence yesterday at the inquiry into the 25-year-old fighter’s death which is being held at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Mr Towell, from Dundee, died of a bleed on the brain the day after he lost a bout in the fifth round to Welsh fighter Dale Evans on September 29 2016.

Known as Iron Mike, the welterweight fighter collapsed after his loss to Evans in the British title eliminator at Glasgow’s St Andrews Sporting Club.

He was given medical treatment in the ring before being taken to hospital but died 24 hours later on September 30.

The inquiry heard that before a boxer’s licence is granted or renewed they must complete an annual medical examination by a qualified and appointed doctor.

No medical information is sought from the boxer’s own doctor unless it is thought necessary and none was ever requested from Mr Towell’s GP.

The first medical was carried out in 2012, and again in 2014 and the subsequent two years.

The inquiry previously heard Mr Towell suffered seizures in 2013.

When asked in the years following during his medical questionnaire if he had suffered from headaches, blackouts or fits he said he had not.

Depute fiscal Eileen Beadsworth asked: “What would happen if the BBBC had been aware that Mr Towell suffered from seizures? We have heard evidence in the inquiry about that.”

Mr Smith replied: “We would suspend his licence and make further investigations. At that point we would have to get permission to write to his GP.”

Mrs Beadsworth said the inquiry had heard evidence that Mr Towell experienced headaches and extreme pain on a particular day and asked if he would expect the BBBC to be told about it, to which the witness answered “Yes, I would.”

The inquiry heard there could be reasons why boxers might not be upfront with themselves and others about difficulties they may be facing.

Mr Smith said: “The thing we mustn’t forget, we only licence boxers from 18 upwards.

“We are dealing with adults. This was a young man, a father I understand, if he kept things from people – we are here because of that ultimately – I think everybody involved, if they knew of these issues, should have raised them.”

Sheriff Craig Turnbull asked: “From what you know about this case, in relation to Mr Towell, do you think he was open and upfront with the board?”

Mr Smith replied: “Unfortunately not.”

The inquiry also heard Mr Towell’s trainer did not know he had suffered from seizures or had been advised not to box.

Stevie Graham, 45, who is no longer involved in the sport, was asked by Mrs Beadsworth: “If you had known Mr Towell was having seizures would you have done anything?”

Mr Graham answered: “We would have addressed the situation.”

He said he would have spoken to Mike’s manager who would have spoken to the board.

The inquiry continues.

Picture: SNS. Mike Towell, known as Iron Mike, would have been suspended from boxing before the bout that caused his death if the governing body had known about his seizures, the inquiry heard.