'It breaks my heart' - organiser of upcoming charity boxing event saddened by man's death, but taking every precaution

The fight comes a week after an event in Christchurch saw a man knocked unconscious – he died four days later.

Organisers of a corporate boxing event set to take place in Auckland tonight say they're confident they have robust safety measures in place.

The event comes just one week after Fight for Christchurch, which ended in tragedy.

37-year-old Kain Parsons was knocked unconscious in the ring and died four days later in hospital.

Former professional boxer Daniella Smith, who runs the Diamonds in the Ring charity event, says it is extremely hard to follow the Christchurch fight.

"It breaks my heart, for the family, for the boxing community... it's really horrible" she said.

At the weigh in for the charity event those taking part noted an air of caution after the incident, but said their coaches and the intensive training they've had make them feel safe.

The Professional Boxing Commission of New Zealand, who have sanctioned the Diamonds in the Ring event, have brought in tougher rules following the tragic death.

"The first rule is having an eight count and after the first eight count if they cannot defend themselves, [the fight] will be stopped" said PBCNZ president Ioana Schwalger.

"Another one of the rules that we will be implementing for three ways to stop a fight"

"It'll either be the referee, the supervisor can also jump in, or if the doctor also has a problem, they can tell the supervisor and we'll stop the fight".

Ms Schwalger says they are in talks with other sanctioning groups, to have rules regulated across New Zealand.

Boxing New Zealand yesterday announced it will no longer be involved in corporate fights, like Fight for Christchurch or Diamonds in the Ring, due to the safety concerns it has around the type of event.

In a statement it said "Whilst most promoters run these events very professionally we cannot impose the same level of restrictions and guidelines we would place upon organisers of strictly amateur events".

Ms Smith says for Diamonds in the Ring there are very strict safety standards, and that everyone involved is aware of the risks associated.

Their rules include using head gear.

"We try our best to cover all bases" she said.

SHARE ME

More Stories