A professional Aussie boxer was in a critical condition after being knocked unconscious by a “whistling big right hand” during a bout in south west Sydney.
Davey Browne Jr, a father-of-two, sustained significant head injuries in the 12th and final round of the match at Ingleburn RSL.
The Campbelltown man was fighting Filipino Carlo Magali for the IBF Pan Pacific Junior-Lightweight title, which would have seen Browne attain a world ranking.
Browne Jr’s legs were shaking in the 6th and 11th rounds after copping a number of heavy hits.
John McDougall, the president of the Australian National Boxing Federation, said this is the first serious injury in NSW in 30 years.
He said Browne, who was ahead on points before he went down, told referee Charlie Lucas he was okay to fight on into the last round.
Mr McDougall also defended the decision for the fight to continue.
“People will say in hindsight the corner shouldn’t have let him come out,” he said.
“Browne turned and looked at a bit of loose tape of his glove, took his eyes off his opponent, and unfortunately this whistling big right hand hit him flush, he fell down.
“He was out cold before he hit the floor. The crowd of 500 were quite distressed.” He died shortly in hospital. (Daily Telegraph)