Tributes to a fallen fighter
We have lost a very special man — TOMMY GILMOUR We salute Mike and his loved ones — CHRIS EUBANK My condolences to Mike. RIP champ — AMIR KHAN Deepest sympathies to his family. — BARRY MCGUIGAN It has been the longest 24 hours of our lives. My baby has lost his daddy. But he will be so so proud of his dad in what he achieved. Once he was taken off his life support he managed 12 hours, 12 whole rounds. He fought right to the end and he’s done us all so proud — CHLOE ROSS
THE world of sport paid tribute to Scots boxer Mike Towell last night – as his devastated partner revealed their son had “lost his daddy”.
The welterweight was stretchered from the ring after losing a fight in Glasgow on Thursday.
He lost his fight for life on Friday night.
Leading the tributes was his partner of eight years, Chloe Ross.
The anguished mum of his son, Rocco, revealed the 25-year-old fought to the end before succumbing to his injuries, with his family gathered round his hospital bed.
She also said the boxer had been complaining of headaches for weeks before the fight.
She said Mike, whose death has rocked the sport, put the migraines he was suffering down to stress caused by the upcoming fight.
Medical experts say prizefighters have to be 100% fit to fight, meaning any underlying condition could have ruled him out of the televised bout with opponent Dale Evans, 24.
But, in a dramatic intervention, Towell’s management team last night insisted they were unaware of any problems leading up to the fight.
Chloe has been left “absolutely heartbroken” by the death of her partner.
In an emotional Facebook post she said she had been through “the longest 24 hours of our lives”.
“Michael had severe bleeding and swelling to his brain,” she said.
“He had been complaining of headaches for the last few weeks but we put it down to migraines with the stress of his fight.”
She added: “My baby has lost his daddy. But he will be so, so proud of his dad in what he achieved.”
Towell’s family were at his bedside in his final hours.
Ms Ross said: “Once he was taken off of his life support he managed 12 hours, he fought right to the end and he’s done us all so proud. He left doing the thing he’s best at ... there’s only one.”
Boxing legend Tommy Gilmour, who was also Mike’s manager, paid tribute to the Dundee fighter.
He said the world of boxing had lost a top fighter and a “very special man”, and described him as one of the best he had ever worked with. He said: “He was Iron Mike to the end, he kept fighting till the last, and we have lost an exciting boxer but, more importantly, a very special man.
“I am devastated and all my thoughts are with Mike’s mum Tracey, his partner Chloe and their son Rocco.
“He was one of the greatest characters I’ve worked with. I came away from every phone call or chat we had smiling.”
Members of the boxing community have paid tribute to the sportsman, known as “Iron” Mike Towell.
Trainer Shane McGuigan said on Twitter: “Heartbreaking news that Mike has lost his life. May he rest in peace, thoughts go out to his loved ones.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Absolutely devastated by the passing of Mike Towell – all our thoughts with his friends and family at this time.”
Boxing legend Chris Eubank paid his own tribute on Chloe’s twitter page.
He wrote: “Boxing attracts brave hearts who trailblaze inspiring the masses, we salute Mike Towell & feel for his l ov e d ones. Our sincere condolences.”
British WBC cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew posted on her Twitter: “My thoughts an prayers go to #MikeTowell and his family, what we risk every time we step through the ropes is highlighted again.”
Other tributes included: Ring sensation Amir Khan: “Send my condolences to Mike Towell’s family. Rip champ.”
Frank Bruno: “Devastating news... RIP Mike Towell, sincere condolences to his family.”
Former Celtic striker John Hartson: “Sad to hear the news of Mike Towell’s passing. killed doing the sport that he loved. RIP Mike.”
Premiership footballer Charlie Adam: “Sad news that Dundee boxer Mike Towell has passed away. RIP.”
Boxer turned pundit and trainer Barry McGuigan: “My deepest sympathies and prayers to the family of Dundee boxer Mike Towell RIP. Very sad for all involved.”
Current heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua: “Sad to hear the news. Thoughts go out to his loved ones.”
Iain Wilson, owner of St Andrew’s Sporting Club, said: “He wasn’t just a fighter at our club, he was my friend and a special heart-and-soul guy. I was with the family through the night after the fight, they are heartbroken. Everyone at the club shares their grief.
“We have lost one of our favourite sons and boxing has lost an explosive talent, but the biggest loss of all is for the Towell family. We will rally round them now to do all we can.”
Greg Menzies, coach at Dundee Boxing Club, said Mike would be missed. “We’re obviously devastated for him and his family. It’s a small community so everybody’s really shocked.
“He was one of Dundee’s top boxers so he was an inspiration for the young kids. We’re all gutted.”
Evans is yet to comment on his opponent’s death, but described Towell as a “true warrior” in a statement issued after he was taken to hospital.
Promoter, Eddie Hearn, and Alex Morrison – manager of WBO lightwelterweight Ricky Burns – have joined forces to raise funds for the Mike’s family.
Alex Morrison said: “Eddie called me and suggested we try to help his relatives.”
They are organising a collection when Ricky Burns defends his title at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Friday.
Killed doing the sport he loved. RIP — JOHN HARTSON Sad news that Mike has passed — CHARLIE ADAM Devastating news. RIP, Mike. — FRANK BRUNO Thoughts go out to his loved ones — ANTHONY JOSHUA Prayers to Mike and his family — TONT BELLEW