Scottish boxer Mike Towell has died in hospital aged just 25-years old.
The young man was seriously injured and had to be stretchered from the ring after losing to Dale Evans in Glasgow on Thursday night.
Towell, from Dundee, was rushed to hospital but his tragic death has now been confirmed by his management.
Towell’s partner, Chloe Ross, paid tribute to father of her child on Facebook in an emotional statement. She said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken to say my annoying best friend passed away tonight at 11.02 very peacefully.
“Michael had severe bleeding and swelling to his brain. He had been complaining of headaches for the last few weeks but we put it down to migraines with the stress of his fight.
“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.”
Fans and fellow boxers have paid tribute to the sportsman, who carried the nickname “Iron Mike”.
St Andrews Sporting Club said Towell “will always be in our hearts”.
Trainer Shane McGuigan paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “Heartbreaking news that Mike Towell has lost his life. May he rest in peace, thoughts go out to his loved ones. £RIP”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “Absolutely devastated by the passing of Mike Towell - all of our thoughts with his friends and family at this time.”
Evans is yet to comment on Towell’s death, but did release a statement after Thursday night’s fight saying: “The ingredients were there for an entertaining fight and it was that, we are both punchers and so sadly for Mike he came out the wrong side.
“I never wanted to see my opponent being stretchered out of the ring. Who would ever want that sight? That was so hard for his family and my heart goes out to them.”
Our thoughts go out to all of Mike’s friends and family.