Australian boxer Smith dies following fight with Filipino

Despite his bruises, Brayd Smith (C) showed no signs of distress until well after his ten-round fight with John Vincent Moralde (L). Photo from Team Moralde

MANILA, Philippines - Braydon Smith, the Australian boxer who collapsed shortly after losing a ten-round boxing match to Filipino fighter John Vincent Moralde, has died after being taken off life support on Monday, March 16.

Family spokesman James O'Shea confirmed the news two days after the ill-fated bout, which occurred at the Rumours International in the 23-year-old Smith’s hometown of Toowoomba, Australia.

Smith, whose final record rests at 12-1 (10 knockouts), was thoroughly outfought in the bout, though observers say there was no point in the bout when it appeared to be a desperate situation that needed to be halted.

John Vincent Moralde wears a shirt from Braydon Smith's Gym upon his return to the Philippines. Photo by Ryan Songalia

"He really wanted to change the image of boxing," said O'Shea. “A lot of times in this country the sport gets a bad rap."

Smith took photos with his opponent and mingled with fans in the crowd afterwards but collapsed in his dressing room approximately 90 minutes after the fight. His father is trainer Brendon Smith, who guided Michael Katsidis to a lightweight championship. Brendon Smith also promoted the event.

He was initially taken to the local Toowoomba Hospital before being airlifted to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, where his family held bedside vigil before the decision was made.

The Davao City, Philippines native Moralde, 20, arrived in Manila on Sunday evening before traveling to General Santos City on Monday morning.

“We offer our prayers to Brayd’s fiancé and the whole family,” said Jim Claude Manangquil, Moralde’s promoter. “It’s a tragic time for everyone involved but I pray that God watches over them.

Smith was in his final year of studies for his Bachelor of Law degree at University of Southern Queensland.

Source: Rappler