Cumbernauld, Scotland – Champion boxer Andrew Tham has tragically died three days after suffering critical injuries in a motorbike accident.
The 28-year-old was involved in a collision with a Hyundai Tucson car on the B8039 near Lenziemill Road, Cumbernauld, at approximately 18:50 on Thursday.
Tham, who was riding a Kawasaki motorbike, was immediately rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Despite intensive medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.
Tributes have poured in for Tham, who achieved significant recognition last September when he became the Scottish featherweight champion.
His promising boxing career began with his first professional fight in March 2019, and he trained at the Kilsyth Golden Gloves gym in North Lanarkshire. He was managed by St Andrew’s Sporting Club, which paid a heartfelt tribute to him on social media platform X.
“Andy was a champion in the ring and a character out of the ring,” the statement read. “It has been an honor to have him in our stable for the entirety of his professional boxing career, and he will be greatly missed by us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Tham’s most notable achievement came when he won the Scottish featherweight title on the undercard of the high-profile “Battle of the Legends” fight, featuring Scottish boxing greats Ricky Burns and Willie Limond, held at the Braehead Arena near Glasgow.
The boxing community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Tham. George Stewart, who fought Tham last month in a non-title bout, shared his grief on X, saying, “It was an absolute honour and a pleasure to share the ring with him two weeks ago – a true warrior. I have no words to describe this devastating news other than heartbreaking.”
Professional boxer Joe Ham also paid tribute, describing Tham as “one of the nicest but toughest boys in the world.”
The Braehead Arena, where Tham celebrated his title win, released a statement expressing shock and sadness at his passing. “The team has many fond memories of his fight here in 2023. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time,” the post read.
Tham’s death marks the second recent tragedy for Scottish boxing, following the passing of former British and Commonwealth light-welterweight champion Willie Limond in April at the age of 45.
Sgt Gemma Blackadder of the local police force urged anyone with information regarding the crash to come forward. “Our thoughts are very much with Andrew’s family and friends at what is a very difficult time for them,” she said.
As the community of Cumbernauld and the wider boxing world mourn the loss of a promising athlete and cherished individual, the impact of Andrew Tham’s life and career will be remembered by many. His dedication to the sport and his vibrant personality have left a lasting legacy.
In the words of his managing club, “Andy was a champion in the ring, and a character out of the ring.” The Scottish featherweight champion will be deeply missed.
