Westgarth’s death hours after victory prompts inquiry

The death of Scott Westgarth hours after his victory in an English lightheavyweight title eliminator in Doncaster on Saturday night is being investigated by the British Boxing Board of Control.

Westgarth, 31, the fifth boxer to die after a fight in Britain in the past 26 years, had earned a points win following 10 tough rounds against Dec Spelman.

However, Westgarth had been knocked down on the ropes just before the end of the bout. He looked uncomfortable during a post-fight interview, in which he said: “I do this for fun, not because I think I’m a world-class fighter, I’m glad we could put on a show and keep everyone entertained. It’s a case of being able to take one to give one sometimes.”

Reports suggest that Westgarth returned to his dressing room, and was then taken by ambulance to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The BBBOFC spoke to event officials yesterday and is compiling a report.

Robert Smith, the BBBOFC secretary, said: “Scott was taken to hospital and then deteriorated on the journey, and started to feel unwell. I have spoken to the officials overseeing the event and the doctors’ reports are coming in, and I am satisfied the procedures we have in place were followed.

“We will be undertaking the fullest possible report into this, as we do with all these situations.”