Boxer Patrick Day dies following serious brain injury

After suffering a brain injury in his fight against Charles Conwell on Saturday, American boxer Patrick Day has passed away, aged 27.

Day was taken immediately to hospital after he was knocked-out in the 10th round by Charles Conwell.

On the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight bow in Chicago against Chazz Witherspoon, Day was treated by a doctor inside the ring before being transported to the intensive care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

After having emergency brain surgery, Day remained in a critical condition until his death was confirmed on Wednesday evening.

Day held a record of 17-4-1 in his career, which included six knockouts.

His promoter, Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, released a statement confirming the tragedy:

“He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins. On behalf of Patrick’s family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury.

Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and the team of Patrick Day. Rest In Peace Pat.

— Gennadiy Golovkin (@GGGBoxing) October 17, 2019

“Patrick Day didn’t need to box. He came from a good family, he was smart, educated, had good values and had other avenues available to him to earn a living. He chose to box, knowing the inherent risks that every fighter faces when he or she walks into a boxing ring. Boxing is what Pat loved to do.

Devastated to hear the news of the passing of Patrick Day.I met him for the first time last Thursday,what a charming young man with a dream and a smile that lit up the room.Our deepest prayers are with his family, his trainer Joe Higgins,Charles Conwell and promoter Lou DiBella?

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) October 16, 2019

“It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this. This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available.

“It is, however, a time for a call to action. While we don’t have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them, and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate.

“This is a way we can honour the legacy of Pat Day.”

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