BOSTON -- A boxer who collapsed into a coma after participating in ESPN's Friday Night Fights last week died Wednesday without regaining consciousness.

Robert Benson, 24, a featherweight from Saugus, Mass., who fought under the ring name Bobby Tomasello, died at New England Medical Center.

Benson had just fought Steve Potse of Ghana to a 10-round draw in Boston when he collapsed in his dressing room.

He was taken to the hospital, where he underwent surgery Saturday morning to remove a blood clot, relieve swelling and stop bleeding in his brain.

He had been in a coma since Friday night, said Tony Cardinale, Benson's promoter and mentor.

Benson had boxed since his youth and had a professional record of 14-0-1 with eight knockouts. The fight was his first 10-round bout.

A spokesman issued a statement in which the family thanked the doctors and staff of the hospital for their "ceaseless effort, professionalism and compassion."

The family, the statement said, also "sincerely thank Bobby's friends, in and out of the boxing community, for their support and prayers throughout the past five days."