*Professional boxer Mylik Birdsong was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on Sunday.
According to the LAPD, the incident occurred around 4:50 PM near Watts while Birdsong was standing outside of a vehicle along with his girlfriend, PEOPLE reports. Several men in a dark SUV approached him and opened fire. As Birdsong tried to escape, two of the suspects exited the vehicle, pursued him, and continued shooting.
Birdsong, who was shot seven times in the chest, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“A dark-colored SUV drove by westbound on 87th [Street] and shot at the victim,” an LAPD spokesperson told KTLA-TV. “The victim then ran towards his residence [when] two suspects from the vehicle started chasing him while shooting at him.”
Pro boxer Mylik Birdsong — a 15-1-1 pugilist who was slated to step in the ring as part of a UFC Fight Pass card in just a few weeks — was killed on Sunday. ? #RIP pic.twitter.com/fX0rJnF0E2
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 1, 2024
Scroll to continue reading
Two men 15 to 20 years old pulled up to the house and one started talking to Mylik, according to his mom, Zonyia Birdsong.
“So he just said ‘what’s up bro’ and then they pulled out these guns. He took one shot to his shoulder first,” she told FOX 11.
Zonyia said the suspects threatened Mylik’s girlfriend before he ran down the driveway.
“They both stood up over him and there was the sound of bang,” she added.
The suspects were gone by the time authorities arrived. An investigation is underway. A motive for the shooting is unknown.
“I’m totally heartbroken because they did it in front of me. They assassinated him. They assassinated my son in front of me,” said Victor Taylor, Mylik’s stepdad.
Birdsong’s most recent fight was in March in LA, where he won a bout by unanimous decision. He was scheduled to fight against Armenian Gor Yeritsyan on the UFC Fight Pass card on Oct. 26.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Mike Tyson Reveals Legendary Boxing Promoter Don King Had to be Hospitalized Amid Health Concerns | WATCH
