Consecutive strikes kill third boxer this year

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - American boxer Patrick Day died of a head injury in Chicago on Saturday after losing a 10th round knockout defeat to Charles Conwell on Saturday.

Dai, 27, went into a coma for four days after his defeat, and despite emergency brain surgery, doctors failed to save him.

"Patrick Day succumbed to a brain injury, which was surrounded by his family, close friends and team members, including his coach and friend Joe Higgins," said Le Debella, the promoter of the boxer.

"On behalf of the Patrick family, his team and all those close to him, we are grateful for your prayers, your support and your love for Patrick."

Dai was taken to hospital when Conwell made several consecutive blows, which left him motionless.

Dai became a professional in 2013, becoming a top contender for the middleweight title, winning the World Boxing Council of the Americas in 2017 and then the IBF in 2019.

This is the third death in boxing this year. In July, 23-year-old Argentine Hugo Santillian died from an overweight lightweight fight and 28-year-old Russian Maxim Dadashev died in another fight.

"It has become very difficult to explain or justify the dangers of boxing at this time," Debela said. "This is not the time to issue statements or the answers are available. But it is time to take action."

"While we don't have answers, there are a lot of questions to answer. We have a chance to respond, and to make boxing safer for all boxers."

"That way we can honor the legend of Patrick Day. Many people live longer than Patrick's age and they wonder if they made a difference or positively impacted their world. It wasn't Patrick's way when he left us. Rest in peace and strength, Patrick."