A boxer has been critically injured in a charity boxing match in Christchurch.
Kain Parsons was knocked unconscious during the fight at the OneStaff Fight for Christchurch event at Horncastle Arena late on Saturday night.
Mr Parsons, a former builder, was reportedly fighting against Canterbury and Tasman Makos half-back Steve Alfeld when the incident occurred.
Police told Newshub early on Sunday he suffered a "medical event" and was taken to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition.
Newshub understands there were two standing eight counts invoked, where the referee stops the action and counts to eight to determine if the boxer is alert enough to continue.
But the fight reportedly went on, despite Mr Parsons seeming unsteady and wobbly.
He later fell and hit his head on the canvas before going into a seizure. Newshub has been told as a result of the seizing, the man couldn't have a breathing tube inserted for an hour.
Mr Parsons was fighting for Conductive Education Canterbury, which put out a statement on Sunday expressing its sympathy to the boxer and his family.
"This is a tragedy for all involved and our thoughts are with them and their families."
Growing concern over amateur boxing nights
In 2016 a man collapsed during a boxing charity event in Hamilton, and died.
And in September this year, a leading boxing gym owner said the days of amateur corporate boxing are numbered.
Paul McSharry, president of the Auckland Boxing Association, said amateurs taking part in charity events are "not training for long enough" and don't often understand the basics of boxing.
He told Newshub he is concerned many just have it on their "bucket list" to compete in a boxing match, not recognising the potential danger.
"It is not about being tough. If you think you are tough, the game will break you. It is about learning... getting to the right level of fitness and ensuring if you are going to box, you understand it and are prepared well," said Mr McSharry.
He said he has no issue with corporate boxing as long it met a certain standard.
He believes the quality of boxers and their coaches used to be high when events were only held once or twice a year. But they are now held often every couple of weeks and Mr McSharry said promoters are taking "their eye off the ball" as they try to maximise the entertainment value of the bouts.
"Promoters and coaches need to take responsibility for who they are putting into the ring. They need to match them well and make sure it is a fair contest".
Mr McSharry will be implementing new rules and regulations for corporate boxing at the Auckland Boxing Association's stadium to help protect boxers. These will be conditions that must be met before the boxer is allowed to compete.
"I can't control everything, but I can control what goes on in my house," he said.
Newshub.
