Boxing is a sport that demands courage, skill, and an indomitable spirit. Many fighters have demonstrated remarkable resilience inside the ring, yet the sport also carries grave risks. Every time a boxer steps into the ring, they put their life on the line. While most return home safely to their families after the final bell, a heartbreaking few have tragically lost their lives pursuing their passion for prizefighting.
These stories serve as solemn reminders of the dangers inherent in the sport and the extraordinary bravery of those who dedicate their lives to it.
Patrick Day: A Modern Tragedy
It was a tragic year for boxing across 2019, with several fighters losing their lives following ring injuries. Patrick Day was another unfortunate victim. The American was forced to undergo emergency brain surgery after his 10th-round knockout loss to Charles Conwell in Chicago, having fallen into a coma.
Jimmy Doyle: A Young Talent Lost
Jimmy Doyle, only 22 years old, faced the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson in 1947. During the eighth round, Doyle was knocked down and never regained consciousness. His untimely death marked one of the early tragedies that highlighted the risks of high-stakes boxing matches.
Davey Moore: The 1963 Catastrophe
In 1963, Davey Moore fought Sugar Ramos and was knocked down in the 10th round. Falling into a coma, Moore tragically passed away three days later due to complications from the injuries. His story remains a pivotal moment in boxing history, leading to renewed focus on fighter health and safety measures.
Maxim Dadashev: A Promising Career Cut Short
Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev died in 2019 after his fight against Subriel Matias. Despite pleas from his corner to stop the match, he continued fighting and later succumbed to severe brain injuries. Dadashev’s passing highlighted the need for stricter in-fight medical supervision and careful attention to a boxer’s condition during bouts.
Choi Yo-sam: The Korean World Champion
Choi Yo-sam, a world champion from South Korea, collapsed after a 12th-round knockout in 2007. Although he underwent emergency surgery, he was declared brain-dead a week later. Choi’s story remains a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictability and dangers of professional boxing.
Kim Duk-koo: The Fight That Changed Boxing
Kim Duk-koo’s death in 1982 after a 14th-round knockout had a lasting impact on boxing regulations. Following his passing, championship fights were reduced from 15 rounds to 12, a reform designed to minimize the risk of life-threatening injuries in the ring.
Scott Westgarth: Victory Turned Tragedy
British boxer Scott Westgarth won his light heavyweight contest in 2018, only to fall ill after the match and pass away the following day. His death was a stark reminder that even victory does not guarantee safety in such a physically demanding sport.
Frankie Campbell
Frankie Campbell was an Italian-American boxer who competed as a heavyweight. He won 33 of his 40 professional fights, losing four, drawing twice, and fighting to a no-contest in one. On August 25, 1930, in San Francisco, California, Campbell was killed in the ring by future heavyweight champion Max Baer.
After knocking out future Max Baer in the second round, Italian-American Frankie Campbell headed to the ropes. Baer sprang to his feet and delivered a thundering right punch to the side of his opponent’s head. He fought until the fifth round when he suffered a continuous battering from the Nebraska native before the referee stepped in. The fallen fighter sadly died hours later in the hospital from a double cerebral hemorrhage.
Roman Simakov
In December of 2011, Roman Simakov fought the well-known Russian boxer Sergey Kovalev. During the fight, Simadov suffered brain damage that later caused him to pass away.
Few people were more affected by this death than Kovalev, who blamed himself for Simakov’s passing despite fighting within the rules. Kovalev remained hesitant to address the incident and attempted to help Simakov’s family after the death.
Mike Towell
A British welterweight title eliminator in Glasgow took a fatal turn when Dale Evans stopped Mike Towell in the fifth round of a scheduled 12 bout. Home fighter Towell, born in Dundee, was immediately taken to hospital where it was discovered he had a serious brain bleed which ultimately led to his tragic passing soon after.
A “heartbroken” Evans revealed a meeting with Towell’s mother gave him personal strength and comfort. While there is no way of truly consoling families involved in such terrible instances, the financial burden was eased with the help of many within the sport, such as Ricky Hatton.
A ‘Justgiving’ page set up in light of Towell’s tragic death raised over £50,000, as well as other contributions from within the boxing world.
The Legacy of These Fighters
The stories of these courageous athletes emphasize the inherent dangers of boxing. While regulations and medical support have improved over the years, the sport will always carry risks. Honoring the memory of these fighters ensures their sacrifices are never forgotten, and it inspires continued efforts to make boxing as safe as possible for future generations.
