Ohio boxer DeAndre Ware performs CPR to save man’s life at Las Vegas weigh-in

LAS VEGAS — An Ohio boxer went the distance to save a life during his weigh-in Friday, administering CPR to a boxing official after the man appeared to suffer a heart attack.

DeAndre Ware, a 168-pound boxer and Toledo resident, is also a Toledo Fire and Rescue Department firefighter and emergency medical technician, WTOL reported. He was at a weigh-in at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for his Saturday night fight against Steven Nelson, ESPN reported.

Ware, 32, left the stage when Pete Susens, a coordinator with Top Rank, suffered an apparent heart attack, Sports Illustrated reported. Ware gave Susens chest compressions and worked with the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s onsite doctor as they waited for more medical help to arrive, ESPN reported.

“I’m here for my fight but I had to put EMS skills to work and do some cpr,” Ware tweeted.” Happy to say the guy was talking a bit and was alert headed to the hospital. I’m thankful! I feel I saved a life.”

“I asked them if they want me to start compressions,” Ware told Sports Illustrated in a telephone interview. “As I did them, he started to breathe. The doctor told me they could feel his pulse with my compressions.”

“His skin was pale, his pupils were dilated.”

When Ware stopped compressions, doctors used a defibrillator to shock Susens heart,” the magazine reported. Ware then resumed compressions.

According to Top Rank media relations director Evan Korn, Susens was taken to an area hospital and is now responsive and communicating, ESPN reported.

Ware, 32, is married with three children. He has boxed professionally for five years while remaining a full-time firefighter.

Heading into Saturday night’s bout, Ware had a 13-2-2 career record with eight knockouts, according to Bleacher Report. His last bout was a loss to Vladimir Shishkin in August 2019.

Cox Media Group