A BRITISH man has died after collapsing just moments after his first-ever Muay Thai kickboxing match in Thailand.
The 30-year-old passed away on Friday night following a bout at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui.
GettyA Brit kickboxer has died after a match in the popular island of Koh Samui[/caption]
The fight, which kicked off at 9.30pm local time, was stopped by the referee in the third round after the Brit was reportedly kicked in the right side of his rib cage, local outlet Khaosod English reports.
He managed to leave the ring and took off his gloves, but suddenly became unwell while unwrapping his hand bandages.
Witnesses said he began experiencing muscle tension, struggled to breathe, and his eyes began rolling.
Though still conscious, he collapsed shortly afterwards, with his heart said to have stopped.
The Brit’s trainer desperately performed CPR until emergency services rushed him to Thai International Hospital, less than two miles from the venue.
But despite medics’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at 11pm local time.
An autopsy has been carried out at Koh Samui Hospital, and local Thai police have launched an investigation.
Muay Thai, dubbed ‘the art of eight limbs’, uses the fists, feet, shins and elbows in combat.
The ancient martial art has deep roots in Thai culture, dating back to 1560 when it was adopted for military training under King Naresuan.
Traditional rope-bound knuckles were once used in place of gloves – until multiple deaths forced a change to padded gloves in the 1990s.
Despite being a huge spectator sport across Thailand, Muay Thai remains notoriously dangerous and has previously led to fatalities.
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