Patrick Day dead: Boxer dies in hospital after suffering brain injury in fight against Charles Conwell

The American underwent emergency brain surgery after being knocked out in the 10th round

(USA TODAY Sports)

Boxer Patrick Day, 27, has died from the head injuries sustained during his fight against Charles Conwell in Chicago on Saturday.

The American was put into a coma and underwent emergency brain surgery after being knocked out in the 10th round of the super welterweight bout.

In a statement on his website, promoter Lou DiBella said: ”Patrick Day passed away today, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, October 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL.

“He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins.”

“He was a son, brother, and good friend to many. Pat’s kindness, positivity, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression with everyone he met.”

Day was knocked down twice prior to the stoppage and received medical support for several minutes before being taken from the ring on a stretcher.

“Patrick Day didn’t need to box,” the statement from DiBella Entertainment continued. “He came from a good family, he was smart, educated, had good values and had other avenues available to him to earn a living.

“He chose to box, knowing the inherent risks that every fighter faces when he or she walks into a boxing ring. Boxing is what Pat loved to do. It’s how he inspired people and it was something that made him feel alive.”

Conwell wrote an emotional letter on Instagram praying for Day’s recovery and admitted he was considering quitting the sport.

Charles Conwell (black trunks) and Patrick Day (red trunks) (USA TODAY Sports)

“I never meant this to happen to you, all I wanted to do was win,” he said. “If I could take it all back, I would. No-one deserves this to happen to them.

DiBella also discussed how the sport would respond to the news of Day’s passing, which follows that of Russia’s Maxim Dadashev and Argentina’s Hugo Santillan in July.

“It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this,” he said. “This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available. It is, however, a time for a call to action.

“While we don’t have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them, and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate.

“This is a way we can honour the legacy of Pat Day. Many people live much longer than Patrick’s 27 years, wondering if they made a difference or positively affected their world.

“This was not the case for Patrick Day when he left us. Rest in peace and power, Pat, with the angels.”