'Devastating': Boxing world rocked by tragic death of 27-year-old star
Tributes have been pouring in on social media following news American boxer Patrick Day died from his injuries, aged just 27.
Day died after sustaining head injuries in his fight against Charles Conwell in Chicago on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was knocked out in the 10th round of his bout against Conwell, and subsequently underwent brain surgery.
Promoter Lou DiBella confirmed the tragic news of his death on Wednesday.
"Patrick Day passed away today, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, October 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL," DiBella said in a statement on his website.
"He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins."
News of Day's death has left the boxing world shattered, with fans posting tributes to the 27-year-old on social media.
😭😭😭 Tragic news!! 27-year-old #PatrickDay has died today after suffering a traumatic brain injury in his defeat to #CharlesConwell on Saturday night on the undercard of #Usyk fight. 😔 #Boxing #BoxingFans #BoxingNews… https://t.co/KZZaScqMyA
— RingIQ tv (@RingIQTV) October 16, 2019
RIP Patrick Day 💔😔
— Swag James (@SwagJamesBreezy) October 16, 2019
R.I.P Patrick Day,
27 years old no age at all. 🥊🥊
Losing his life doing something he loved, thoughts go to friends and family #rippatrickday #boxing #RIP— Richard W (@RichWhite2008) October 16, 2019
RIP Patrick Day, devastating to hear a great talent lost so young
— AA Ron (@AaronHudspith98) October 16, 2019
RIP Patrick Day. This is the worst imaginable side to boxing. So sad to hear.
— Micky Marsh® (@MickyMarsh69) October 16, 2019
Thinking of Patrick day family in this sad time. Another boxer sadly losing their life doing what they love 😢🙏🏼
— Ryan Kelly (@RuthlessRyan94) October 16, 2019
RIP PATRICK DAY: 1992-2019
Patrick Day has sadly passed away following his bout with Charles Conwell this past weekend in Chicago.
Rest in Peace, Champ. 🙏
Full statement: https://t.co/Mw4V3pXxU0#Boxing pic.twitter.com/cszZkCf4No— Boxing Social (@boxing_social) October 16, 2019
Day had previously been knocked down twice in the contest before succumbing again to a left hook midway through the 10th round.
Day ‘inspired people’
He was treated on the canvas for several minutes before being removed from the ring on a stretcher, and underwent surgery that night.
Earlier, Conwell wrote an emotional letter on Instagram praying for Day's recovery and revealing he had considered quitting the sport.
British promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted: "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."
DiBella said Day was a son, brother, and good friend to many.
"Pat's kindness, positivity, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression with everyone he met.
"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.
"It's how he inspired people and it was something that made him feel alive."
With AAP