World
Scottish boxing champion Andrew Tham dies, 28, after motorbike crash
Andrew Tham became Scottish featherweight champion last September and has died following a collision while driving his motorbike in Cumbernauld on Thursday evening
Tributes are being paid to Scottish champion boxer Andrew Tham, who has died three days after being critically injured in a motorbike crash.
Tham, 28, was involved in a collision with a Hyundai Tucson car at around 6:50pm on Thursday evening on the B8039 in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire. Tham – who was riding a green Kawasaki motorbike – was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he was he pronounced dead on Sunday.
The red Hyundai Tucson’s driver and passengers were taken to Airdrie’s University Hospital Monklands and released following treatment for minor injuries.
Tham became Scottish featherweight champion last September, having fought professionally for the first time in March 2019. Last month, he lost a bout to George Stewart but his title was not on the line.
An ‘absolutely devastated’ Stewart paid tribute by 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 heart breaking.”
Professional boxer Joe Ham also paid tribute to Tham on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Rest in peace Andy Tham,” Ham posted alongside a photo of the 28-year-old. “One of the nicest but toughest boys in the world,” he added.
Tham won his featherweight title by beating Jack Turner on the undercard of the ‘Battle of the Legends’ between Scottish boxing icons Ricky Burns and Willie Limond at the Braehead Arena.
The venue, which is located near Glasgow, posted: “Everyone at the Braehead Arena are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of young boxer Andy Tham. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time. The team have many fond memories of his fight here in 2023.”
Tham’s death is the second to occur in Scottish boxing in recent weeks, as in April, former British and Commonwealth light-welterweight champion Willie Limond died aged 45.
Sargent Gemma Blackadder urged anyone with information about the crash involving Tham to get in touch with Police Scotland. She added: “Our thoughts are very much with Andrew’s family and friends at what is a very difficult time for them.
“Enquiries into the full circumstances of this crash continue. If you believe you have information that will assist our enquiries or if you have any dashcam footage, please contact 101 quoting incident number 3307 of May 30.”