The 31-year-old from Newcastle was knocked to the canvas during a brutal clash but conducted post-fight interviews before paramedics rushed to his side backstage.

Former professional footballer Curtis Woodhouse had been due to make his boxing comeback against John Wayne Hibbert later on the card but organisers took the decision to abandon the action.

Woodhouse said via social media: "Prayers are with Scott Westgarth this evening, sometimes with all the hype around boxing you forget how dangerous this sport is.

"My fight with John Wayne Hibbert is irrelevant and means nothing compared to life. Fingers crossed Scott is okay."