Tributes have been paid to fallen Dundee boxer “Iron” Mike Towell one year on from his tragic death.
The boxer died following a fight in Glasgow with Welshman Dale Evans last September.
His funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, who filled Dundee’s St Andrew’s Cathedral to pay their last respects to the 25-year-old.
On the day of the service, a hearse carrying the fallen fighter drew up outside the church with flowers alongside the coffin arranged to spell out Iron Mike.
Since his death, Mike’s partner Chloe Ross has campaigned tirelessly to raise funds to help purchase a pair of brain scanners to help care for boxers in Dundee and Stirling.
One year on from Mike’s death, the boxing world has paused to remember their fellow competitor.
British boxing legend Ricky Hatton took to Twitter to pay tribute.
1 year ago tomorrow this young man lost his life in the ring. Not forgotten. #boxingfamily #RIP young man. pic.twitter.com/bUSeDV1saQ
— Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) September 29, 2017
The former world champion fighter said: “One year ago tomorrow (Saturday) this young man lost his life in the ring. Not forgotten. RIP young man.”
Mike’s final opponent, Dale Evans, said his thoughts are with the Towell family.
1 year to today, myself & this man were just trying to earn a living & chase our dreams. Thinking of all loved ones-always #IronMikeTowell pic.twitter.com/ZXPK6xyxju
— Dale Evans (@DaleEvans_912) September 29, 2017
He said: “One year ago today, myself and this man were just trying to earn a living and chase our dreams. Thinking of all loved ones always.”
Family, friends and fans changed their social media profile picture to a shot of Mike to mark the anniversary.
It’s understood an investigation is currently being held into Mike’s death.
It has also been announced that a fatal accident inquiry will be held.
Meanwhile, charity efforts in Mike’s name to improve safety for local boxers have raised over £23,000.
Mike’s partner Chloe said only £1000 was now needed to reach the Iron Mike Towell Fund’s latest fundraising goal.
Ms Ross said she couldn’t have achieved this “without the help of all the generous people in this world”.
The £12,000 brain scanner devices The Iron Mike Towell Fund is striving to purchase can spot possible brain trauma at an early stage.
A three minute-long procedure emits infrared light into the head from eight different points.
It is hoped the scanners will prevent boxers from sustaining permanent brain damage by identifying trauma at an early stage.
The devices can detect damage during the so-called “golden hour” — the 60 minutes after a head injury where pre-hospital assessment is critical to the future neurological health of a patient.
Further donations to The Iron Mike Towell Fund can be made by clicking here.
