New brain scanners in memory of Dundee boxer Iron Mike Towell are set to be introduced after a successful crowdfunder.
Towell’s girlfriend Chloe Ross — alongside his mother Tracy — had launched a £13,000 fundraising effort to purchase scanners in a bid to prevent any repeat of the boxer’s tragic death.
Towell died in September 2016 after collapsing during a British title eliminator fight in Glasgow. He had requested a brain scan on three separate occasions after complaining of pains in his head, however, doctors had advised him it was a migraine.
The scanners will now be used by boxers in Dundee and Stirling, the two places where Towell trained.
Various local businesses donated to the cause with training to begin soon before they are put to use.
In the aftermath of Towell’s death, the British and Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) announced that new scanners at fights would be introduced.
The sport’s governing organisation, the British Boxing Board of Control — which does not recognise BIBA as an official body — has yet to announce similar plans but has said it is conducting its own research.
Towell’s opponent, Dale Evans, announced his retirement last week, stating ‘worry and fear’ had replaced his hunger for the sport following the tragedy.
On Saturday night, the sport was hit with another shock when Scott Westgarth died after a fight versus Dec Spelman at Doncaster Dome.
The 31-year-old, who won the fight on points, conducted post-match interviews before being taken ill to Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where he sadly passed away.
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
