Fallen boxer’s family cheer on his last rival

Goodwill: ‘Iron’ Mike Towell’s relations see Evans wear special tribute during London bout

The family and friends of fallen Dundee boxer “Iron” Mike Towell travelled to London to cheer on the tragic fighter’s final opponent.

Iron Mike’s loved ones made the journey to the Copper Box Arena to cheer on Dale Evans, who faced Towell in his final fight last September.

Welsh boxer Evans lost his British Welterweight championship fight to title holder Bradley Skeete on Saturday evening.

Mike collapsed after his fifth-round loss to Evans in a British title eliminator at Glasgow’s St Andrews Sporting Club.

The 25-year-old was given medical treatment in the ring before being taken to hospital but died 24 hours later.

During Saturday’s emotionallycharged bout, Evans donned shorts emblazoned with Iron Mike’s name.

Following the fight, Evans posted an emotional tribute to the Dundee boxer’s friends and family.

The Welsh boxer said: “I’ve dreamt and had visions for months of winning the title in style but it just wasn’t to be.

“It meant so much not only to win it for myself but for Iron Mike also. So I’m sorry to everyone for not being able to do it.

“While on the subject, what a pleasure it was to meet and talk to friends of Mike, who travelled six/seven hours to support me. Absolutely incredible you all are. Thank you.”

Mike’s partner Chloe Ross praised Evans and urged him to be proud of his achievements.

She said: “Couldn’t imagine Skeete (Evans’ opponent) managing to cope with Michael’s body shots if he got in close.

“Gutting knowing it could have been him there tonight. But Dale deserves it as much as anyone after what he’s had to deal with.

“Gutted for him but we are all still proud of you and you should be proud of yourself.”

The Dundee boxer’s family have raised thousands of pounds to help provide brain safety scanners to gyms in Scotland.

Chloe, along with Mike’s mother Tracey, intend to buy two for clubs in Dundee and Stirling, places where the boxer learned to fight.

More than £13,000 has already been raised to go towards the purchase of one scanner in Mike’s name.

Picture: Getty Images. Dale Evans wears the name of Iron Mike Towell on his shorts in his British Welterweight championship bout on Saturday with Bradley Skeete in London. Mike’s family went to cheer on Dale, who was the Dundee boxer’s final opponent.

Top: a photo from Dale Evans’ Twitter feed as he meets friends and family of Mike Towell, above.