Mylik Birdsong, a welterweight prospect who not too long ago gained a regional title, was shot and killed Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles.
Birdsong (15-1-1, 10 knockouts), a resident of Los Angeles, was 31. He was scheduled to battle Gor Yeritsyan on October 26 on the Commerce On line casino in close by Commerce in a compelling conflict of once-beaten welterweights. The battle was to be streamed reside on UFC Combat Cross.
Tom Loeffler, head of 360 Boxing Promotions and the promoter of the October 26 card, was saddened to listen to of Birdsong’s passing.
“We have been excited to announce the return of Gor Yeritsyan on our October 26 present at Commerce On line casino,” Loeffler instructed The Ring late Sunday evening. “He was to be in an amazing matchup in opposition to Mylik Birdsong. Sadly, we simply obtained the tragic information that Mylik was killed. Our hearts, and prayers exit to his household and associates. We will certainly honor Mylik at our present with a (honorary) 10-count.”
Based on the Los Angeles Police Division, in an announcement to KTLA5, the capturing occurred at about 4:50 p.m. close to the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Birdsong was standing subsequent to a automobile, chatting with his girlfriend, who was seated inside, when a dark-colored SUV pulled up and opened hearth at him. Birdsong was hit, ran in the direction of a driveway of a house, the place he was struck once more by gunfire fired from two males who chased him.
Birdsong, who was struck a complete of seven instances within the torso. He was rushed to a neighborhood hospital, the place he was pronounced lifeless.
An investigation, together with a motive, is ongoing.
Birdsong final fought on March 23 at Saint John Bosco Excessive Faculty in close by Bellflower, defeating Jerry Bradford by unanimous resolution. With the win, Bradford gained the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Worldwide welterweight title.
In his earlier battle on November 11, Birdsong was knocked out by Jose Vargas Quintana in a conflict of unbeaten prospects.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He will be reached at [email protected]
Observe @FSalazarBoxing
