Boxers have been paying tribute to Dundee fighter “Iron “Mike Towell, who died after collapsing in the ring.
Dundee boxing legend Dick McTaggart, 81, who won gold in the lighweight division in the 1956 Olympics and bronze four years later, said referee Victor Loughlin could not be blamed for failing to stop the fight.
He said: “I’m sorry to hear about Mike.
“He was definitely one of the up-and-coming boxers in the country.”
“I didn’t know him personally but my wife liked watching him on the telly,” added Mr McTaggart.
“It’s just one of those things – you can’t blame the referee.
“There is always a danger for any sport, it’s not just boxing.”
Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan was among those offering their condolences to Towell’s family online.
He posted on Twitter:
My deepest sympathies and prayers to the family of Dundee boxer MikeTowell RIP who passed away during the night. Very sad for all involved.
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) October 1, 2016
Former world super featherweight champion Alex Arthur posted:
The news everyone was dreading ? may God bless you champ. #MikeTowell #Warrior #RIP
— Alex Arthur MBE (@AlexArthur1) October 1, 2016
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua added:
Sad to hear the news about Mike Towell. Thoughts go out to his loved ones ??
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) October 1, 2016
Other famous names fromt he boxing world to pay tribute included Ricky Hatton and Frank Bruno:
Sad sad news . Thoughts are with his family and friends RIP X https://t.co/gU0TJHRQiR
— Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) October 1, 2016
Devastating news… RIP Mike Towell, my sincere condolences to his family…??
— Frank Bruno MBE (@frankbrunoboxer) October 1, 2016
Meanwhile, Dundee ice hockey club the Dundee Stars will hold a minute’s silence before their match against Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday night.
We will be holding a minutes silence at this evening's game for Dundee boxer Mike Towell who passed away late last night. pic.twitter.com/Hb81pkFlZt
— Dundee Stars? (@DundeeStars) October 1, 2016
