Patrick Day passed away on Wednesday October 16 after sustaining severe head trauma on Saturday night.
The New York fighter was knocked out by Charles Conway during their clash on Oleksandr Usyk’s undercard in Chicago, and sadly never woke up.
The 27-year-old was stopped in the final round of the fight, and reportedly suffered a seizure on his way to the ambulance inside the arena, before being taken to a local hospital.
Just four days later, it was confirmed he had passed as a result of the head injuries sustained.
Eddie Hearn, promoter of the event, lead the tributes to Day, calling him a “charming young man.”
“Devastated to hear the news of the passing of Patrick Day,” he tweeted.
“I met him for the first time last Thursday, what a charming young man with a dream and a smile that lit up the room.
“Our deepest prayers are with his family, his trainer Joe Higgins,Charles Conwell and promoter Lou DiBella.”
The WBC also sent a heart-felt tribute to the fighter, and sent their best wishes to his family.
“The Family of the World Boxing Council and its President Mauricio Sulaiman Saldívar deeply regret the passing of Patrick Day,” the statement read.
“Patrick died today due to the brain injury he suffered in his fight last Saturday, October 12.
“Day became a professional in 2013 and overcame the initial difficulties of his career to become a world-class superwelter contender.
“He won the WBC Continental Belt of the Americas in 2017.
“The WBC joins Patrick’s family right now, wishing them a quick resignation to such deep sorrow.”
Outside of the ring, Day was a college graduate, who then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness from Kaplan University, Iowa, something promoter Lou Dibella referenced when announcing the fighter had passed.
DiBella, wrote a touching message to announce the tragic news, and declared that boxing was a passion for him, not a job.
“Patrick Day didn’t need to box. 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.”
Irish fighter Michael Conlan also sent a message to Day, saying: “Heartbreaking to hear the news about Patrick Day. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go to his family and friends.
”Rest in paradise champion.”