Christchurch man dies after being knocked out in charity boxing match

November 7, 2018

Kain Parsons was stunned twice before being knocked out on Saturday evening.

A man left critically injured after taking part in a charity boxing match in Christchurch on the weekend has died in hospital.

Kain Parsons, 37, was taken to intensive care after being knocked out during his bout in the Fight for Christchurch charity boxing event on Saturday.

The Christchurch man died in hospital today after succumbing to the brain injury he received.

Inspector Darryl Sweeney, Area Manager Prevention, Canterbury says police were previously aware of this boxing match and are liaising with the event organisers and officials to fully understand the circumstances surrounding Mr Parsons' death. 

"We are in contact with and extend our sympathies to Mr Parsons’ family at this difficult time," Inspector Sweeney said. 

His death and all facts surrounding it will be referred to the coroner, he said.

Meanwhile police have released a statement on behalf of the family of Kain Parsons, advising that "tragically he has succumbed to the brain injury he received at the Fight for Christchurch on Saturday 3 November".

"We wish to acknowledge and thank the amazing team in the ICU ward at Christchurch Hospital, the paramedics at the event, along with the many doctors, nurses and medical professionals who left their tables to quickly come to Kain’s aid," the family said.

"The outpouring of heartfelt support from family, friends, colleagues and the public has been humbling and very much appreciated.

"Kain gave his life in the pursuit of raising money for those less fortunate and his enormous heart, selfless attitude and gentle giant nature will leave a void in the lives of so many," the statement continued..

"Kain is survived by his wife and three beautiful children who will miss their family man more than words can express."

Donations to support the family of a man who gave the ultimate gift can be made to his personal Givealittle page , the family statement concluded.

Previous death at Hamilton charity bout

Two years ago, a man collapsed and died during a charity bout in Hamilton.

His death sparked outrage, yet two years later and with the number of events growing, Auckland Boxing Association president Paul McSharry said not much has changed.

Promoters did not always put the safety of fighters first, Mr McSharry said.

"They all have similar rules but not the same, so the promoters will generally go with the organisation that makes things easier for them or cheaper."

It's up to the Department of Internal Affairs to green stamp boxing and wrestling associations to promote or approve competitions under the Boxing and Wrestling Act of 1981.

There were more than 50 associations approved as of October 2016, and all can have differing rules about protective gear, training and medical requirements.

Mr McSharry said the law needed to be changed so there was only one governing body - or others would be put at risk.

"Corporate boxers, they're unknown as far as their history is concerned. They're not full-time boxers and we have a duty of care, because if we don't the game will be over," he said.

Mr McSharry decided to take matters into his own hands and write up governing rules for all corporate boxing matches approved by his association.

Under his rules, competitors have to wear headguards, undertake a medical examination by their own GP and have a registered trainer.

Christchurch bout approved by boxing association

Kain Parsons - a former builder turned project manager - was knocked unconscious during Saturday's fight in Christchurch.

The bout was approved by the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association, which approves or promotes about 50 corporate bouts each year.

Association president Pat Leonard said the boxers had a pre-bout medical check by a registered doctor and were told by the supervisor about the risks.

"We do everything as the law requires and do even further. After all, our aim in corporate boxing is for both boxers to stand on their feet at the end of the fight, hug and kiss each other, saying 'what the hell were we doing here in the first place?'"

Boxing New Zealand national executive member John McKay didn't agree, saying the rules needed to be universal to help protect boxers.

The former New Zealand boxing coach said charity and amateur boxing should have the same rules, which includes compulsory headguards.

Trainers and promoters need to take responsibility for the safety of their boxers, he said.

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