Scott Westgarth dead aged 31: Kell Brook to dedicate his fight against Sergey Rabchenko to memory of late boxer
Westgarth fell ill after winning his boxing fight against Dec Spelman on Saturday night - it was confirmed this morning that he had passed away
KELL BROOK has dedicated his fight against Sergey Rabchenko this weekend to the memory of boxer Scott Westgarth.
Tragedy struck the sport at the weekend when Westgarth, who had just defeated Dec Spelman on points, collapsed moments after giving his ringside interview.
The 31-year-old was rushed to Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire hospital after fighting at the Doncaster Dome, but it was confirmed this morning that he had died.
And Brook, who took part in a 1k run around Bramall Lane, home of his beloved Sheffield United, will aim to win for Westgarth in the Steel City on Saturday night.
He said: "I’m incredibly proud of Sheffield and to be joined by so many supporters for my final run ahead of the fight, especially in the freezing cold, was very special.
"The boxing community and Sheffield suffered a massive loss over the weekend with the tragic passing of Scott Westgarth. I’ve dedicated this fight to him, his family and the city.
"The support I received today shows how untied this city is and I can’t wait to get out there on Saturday night and get back to winning ways."
Brook, accompanied by fellow Ingle’s gym boxer Kid Galahad who is also on the fight card, led the group out of the players tunnel to his to his walk on music, ‘All of the Lights’ for the run around the pitch.
GREAT SCOTT Final words of boxer who tragically died after winning fight
It will be the Sheffield man's first fight back since he lost his IBF world welterweight title with a bruising 11th-round KO defeat to Errol Spence.
On Saturday Westgarth told fans he was glad he could "put on a show" in a post-fight interview before he was taken ill backstage.
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WHO WAS SCOTT WESTGARTH?
WESTGARTH was a 31-year-old light heavyweight boxer from Newcastle.
He made his debut as a boxer in September 2013 and has a record of seven wins in 10 fights - two of which are were knockouts.
Scott, originally from the North East, lived in Penistone, South Yorkshire, and trained in Sheffield under Glyn Rhodes.
He was a former ski instructor and worked as a chef at Sheffield's Royal Victoria Holiday inn.
The win over Spelman left Scott, who began his career at 24, one win away from becoming the English light-heavyweight champion.
Scott had a girlfriend, Natalie, who he praised on social media on January 26 - her birthday.
He had just sprang somewhat of a shock by outpointing Dec Spelman.
Paramedics rushed to Westgarth's aid, which led to the rest of the show being cancelled.
It was supposed to be headlined by ex-footballer Curtis Woodhouse taking on John Wayne Hibbert in a Commonwealth light-welterweight title decider.
Westgarth's promoter, Stefy Bull, confirmed the devastating news on social media Monday morning.
He wrote: "God bless Scott Westgarth.
"To promote a boxing show and a young man doing a job he loves losing his life, I have no words.
"RIP lad thoughts go out to your family and your team, its's been the hardest few days I've had to endure.
"No idea what to do moving forward."
Dec Spelman, the man beaten by Westgarth on Saturday night, added: "Absolutely heartbroken and lost for words.
"I'll continue to pray for Scott's family and the people close to him. Rest easy my friend."
Scott, originally from the North East, lived in Penistone, South Yorkshire, and trained in Sheffield under Glyn Rhodes.
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