At least two Australian boxers have died this year after suffering brain injury during their title fights against Filipino boxers in two separate events in Australia
First to succumb to brain injury was 23-year-old Australian boxer Braydon Smith, who died last March 16, two after losing by unanimous decision against unbeaten Filipino boxer John Vincent Moralde in Toowoomba, Australia. The 20-year-old Moralde (12-0, 6 knockouts) of Davao City, Philippines bagged the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental featherweight title with judges scorecards showing 97-93, 98-92 and 99-91, all in favor of Moralde. After the fight, Smith congratulated Moralde for his victory but moments after he returned to his dressing room, Smith collapsed and was immediately rushed to Toowoomba Hospital where he collapsed unconscious 90 minutes after the fight. Smith was subsequently airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane where he spent two days in coma and died March 16 at the age of 23. Moralde offered his prayers for the family of Smith upon learning of his untimely demise. “I pray for Brayd’s soul, may he rest in peace. He’s gone too soon. Hopefully his friends and family will be okay,” Moralde told GMA News Online. Jim Claude Manangquil, the manager of Moralde also offered prayers upon leaning of Smith;s death. “All my prayers goes to Brayd Smith, his family and friends. Hopefully his family can recover from this tragedy… God has a better place for a great guy like Brayd,” he said. The second and latest to die of brain injury in a boxing fight in Australia was Davey Browne Jr, a father-of-two, who suffered head injuries during his 12-round fight against another Filipino challenger Carlo Magali for the IBF Pan Pacific Junior-Lightweight title. Browne was winning on points when he went down. His legs were seen shaking in the sixth and eleven rounds after absorbing heavy blows from the Filipino fighter. The 29-year-old fighter from Campbell town, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, was knocked out by Magali 30 seconds in the final round of the 12-round fight which took place at the Ingleburn RSL Club in New South Wales. After the 12th round knockout, Browne regain consciousness but collapsed later prompting ring officials and his corner to rush him to Liverpool Hospital in Sydney. Authorities confirmed his death after Browne?s family decided to turn off his life support four days after his devastating fight against Magali. “It’s 30-odd years since we’ve had a fatality or a serious injury,” Australian Boxing Federation president John McDougall said. “It’s tragic, tragic news. “We did hear that he’d recommenced breathing on his own, and we were hoping and praying that that was a good sign, but this morning’s news is shattering,” he added.
