Boxer stretchered out of ring 'unable to breathe' after collapsing following loss to former British champion

The eight-round contest on the undercard of Diego Pacheco's super-middleweight clash with Kevin Sadjo ended abruptly when Holloway collapsed in his corner following the fourth round.

Medical personnel rushed to attend to the 32-year-old Illinois fighter, who was administered oxygen before being removed from the ring on a stretcher.

The former British champion Clarke was awarded the win via corner retirement as anxious scenes unfolded inside the California venue.

Holloway made a promising start to proceedings, but the Tokyo 2020 Olympian began asserting his superiority during the third stanza.

The American, carrying a record of nine wins and ten defeats, resorted to holding his opponent repeatedly as he struggled to cope with Clarke's pressure.

By the fourth round, Holloway's legs had given way entirely, and his desperate attempts to clinch resulted in the referee deducting a point.

Witnesses reported the fighter telling his corner he was unable to breathe before slowly slipping from his stool onto the canvas.

Ringside staff responded swiftly, and Holloway remained conscious throughout treatment.

Holloway's eyes remained open while receiving oxygen and praised the respectful response from spectators.

Several hours after the frightening incident, Clarke delivered the reassuring news that supporters had been hoping for.

The British fighter shared an image on X showing himself and Holloway in an embrace outside the Adventist Health Arena.

His accompanying message offered welcome relief: "He good."

Clarke won a silver medal at the 2017 European Championships, a bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games representing England, and a bronze at the 2019 European Games.

He represented Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, reaching the round of 16.

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