Boxer Mike Towell dies after Glasgow fight

The partner of boxer Mike Towell says he "fought right to the end" after the 25-year-old died from a brain injury sustained in a bout in Glasgow.

In an emotional Facebook post, Chloe Ross said she was "absolutely heartbroken".

"It has been the longest 24 hours of our lives," she wrote. "My baby has lost his daddy.

"But he will be so so proud of his dad in what he achieved."

Ms Ross said the welterweight had passed away shortly after 11pm on Friday.

His family was at his bedside at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

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"Once he was taken off of his life support he managed 12 hours, 12 whole rounds off his life support," Ms Ross said.

"He fought right to the end and he's done us all so proud... He left doing the thing he's best at... there's only one."

The couple had been together for more than eight years and had a young son, Rocco.

Ms Ross added: "Michael had severe bleeding and swelling to his brain.

"He had been complaining of headaches for the last few weeks but we put it down to migraines with the stress of his fight."

The fighter from Dundee, dubbed "Iron Mike", suffered a fifth-round loss to Welshman Dale Evans in a St Andrews Sporting Club welterweight fight at Glasgow's Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday night.

He was knocked down in the first round and again in the fifth before the stoppage, according to the BoxRed database of fights, and was rushed to hospital after being taken from the ring on a stretcher.

The fight was refereed by Victor Loughlin, who was also in charge of the British middleweight title fight in March between Chris Eubank and Nick Blackwell, which ended the latter's career after he suffered a bleed on the skull when he was stopped in 10 rounds.

After the fight - an eliminator for the British welterweight title - Evans released a statement saying he was "devastated".

"The aftermath of the fight is so hard to take in but I just want people to know that every thought I have today is with Mike Towell's family," he said.

Boxer turned promoter Ricky Hatton launched an appeal to raise £20,000 to help support Ms Ross and her son, starting the donations with £5,000 of his own.

The appeal had already passed its target by Saturday night.

Towell had been undefeated going into Thursday's fight, with 11 previous wins and one draw on his professional record.

Members of the boxing community have paid tribute.

St Andrews Sporting Club said Towell "will always be in our hearts".

Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted: "Absolutely devastated by the passing of Mike Towell - all of our thoughts with his friends and family at this time."

Former European champion Spencer Oliver tweeted: "So saddened to hear of the devastating news that Mike Towell has passed away, my thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends. #RIP x."

Boxer Tommy Coyle, former international lightweight champion, said: "Wow Mike Towell may you rest in peace and know that every fighting man has nothing but respect for you."