Boxer Michael Norgrove dies days after ring collapse

Boxer Michael Norgrove has died several days after collapsing in the ring, the British Board of Boxing Control (BBBC) has confirmed.

The 31-year-old Zambian light-middleweight, who was based in London, collapsed on 31 March.

He was treated for bleeding on the brain following the bout against Sedgley's Tom Bowen at The Ring in Blackfriars, south London.

The BBBC described it as a "sad day" for the world of boxing.

General secretary Robert Smith said: "We were informed of his death this morning. The whole sport feels for his family and we need to let it sink in.

"He was a nice little boxer - but forget boxing for now, it's very sad news indeed."

BBC Radio 5 live reported Norgrove was the first boxer to die after a fight in the UK for 18 years.

He had been taking part in his first fight after a two-year break from the sport.

He was undefeated and had he beaten Bowen it would have been a sixth straight win.

Norgrove was a sparring partner of boxer James DeGale, who won a gold medal in the Beijing Olympic Games.

On Saturday morning Mr DeGale Tweeted: "So sad to hear about the passing of Michael Norgrove. He will be sadly missed."

The Zambian fighter had trained at the Repton Club in east London.

A statement on the club's website said it was "saddened" by the news that he had collapsed "doing what he loved".