Personal injury news

Brain injury kills boxer

An American boxer has died from a brain injury shortly after winning a fight in Evansville, Indiana.

34-year-old Kevin Payne won the eight-round welterweight contest against Ryan Maraldo by way of a split decision, but collapsed soon after being declared the winner.

Carried from the ring and put on a stretcher, he was taken to Deaconess Hospital where doctors assessed the extent of his personal injuries. Surgery was carried out but his brain injury proved too severe and he died on the operating table.

According to Payne’s corner man, 26-year-old Maraldo did not land an excessive number of punches, but did lead with his head a number of times during the fight.

The bout was the main event on a card that was broadcast live by Azteca America, a Spanish-language cable TV channel that is watched by 45 million homes. The winner would have had the opportunity of a money-spinning fight against hard-hitting Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a showpiece fight on HBO.

Payne’s promoter, Octavius James, said, “My relationship with Kevin went beyond business. Kevin was a friend. My prayers are with him and his family.”

Boxing authorities are planning an investigation into the reasons for James Payne’s brain injury.