Ohio Firefighter Loses Boxing Match, Saves A Life This Weekend

Boxer DeAndre Ware might’ve lost a fight Saturday night at the MGM Grand, but his training as a Toledo, Ohio firefighter came in handy Friday during weigh-ins when he used his EMS skills to revive a Top Rank Boxing official who had collapsed.

A Top Rank spokesperson called Ware a “real hero” and that the organization “owes him a debt of gratitude” for what he did to save the employee’s life. Ware said he “had to put EMS skills to work and do some CPR.”

Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix was there during the incident and said on Twitter that Ware “performed life saving chest compressions” and that the man was going to be OK.

Ware then had to come back Saturday night and fight Steven Nelson from the Top Rank bubble at MGM Grand. Ware got into trouble in the 6th round and ultimately the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

Steven Nelson (@SoColdNelson) gets the win after stopping DeAndre Ware in the 6th round 🥊 🇺🇸 #HerringOquendo pic.twitter.com/a7uDmRQ130

— On The Ropes (@OTRboxingshow) September 6, 2020

“Thanks for all the support, I was looking for Toledo to go 2-0 tonight,” Ware wrote on Facebook, referencing fellow Toledo boxer Jared Anderson, who was on the same card. “Unfortunately that didn’t happen. Back to the drawing board…I’ll keep my head held high. God put me here for a reason and I’m greatful for that!!! Once again I say thanks for the support.”

Ware’s boxing shorts for Saturday’s fight included a Toledo Police Department patch featuring the words, “Tell my family I love them.” Those were the final words spoken by Toledo police officer Anthony Dia, who was shot and killed July 4 while on a call.