British boxer dies after winning bout in Doncaster

    A British boxer has died following his victory in a bout in Doncaster.

    Scott Westgarth, 31, won a light-heavyweight eliminator match against Dec Spelman on Saturday 24 February. He appeared to be in pain in post-match interviews and fell ill backstage.

    He was taken to hospital where he later died.

    The general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, Robert Smith, spoke to the BBC: "I think boxing in this country has changed remarkably with regards to medical procedures over the last 20-30 years. We're always looking to improve things."

    "We do appreciate that this is a tough sport and we try to make it as safe as possible but that's not always the case.

    "It's a very small sport, really. We are a little family and when things go wrong, we do all stick together. We don't go into this sport with our eyes closed and we know how dangerous it can be.

    "I've been a boxer and I would still do it tomorrow, if I could. This is a terrible time for the sport and the family and I can't say anything that will make anything better. We've got to try to make sure it doesn't happen again but we know and I know deep down there is a possibility it will."

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