HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a teenage kickboxing champion who collapsed after a fight and died in hospital.
Alex Eastwood, 15, passed away after suffering a head injury in an unsanctioned kickboxing fight.
Talented Alex was a member of the Hurricane Combat and Fitness club, where he achieved a black belt in kickboxing.
He was due to compete in the kickboxing World Championships in Portugal in October 2024, having already secured six wins during his burgeoning career.
Alex had fought three individual rounds of a bout at a kickboxing gym in Platt Bridge, Wigan, before becoming seriously unwell on June 29 2024.
He was taken to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, where a CT scan revealed he had suffered a brain bleed.
Alex tragically underwent surgery but died a short time later in hospital on July 2.
A coroner has now urged the government to introduce more protection for children in combat sports at a pre-inquest.
HM assistant Coroner Michael Pemberton said: “I’m concerned there appears to be no regulatory guidance in terms of any child combat sports.
“In terms of children’s participation in any of these activities, there appears to be no basic framework upon which individual clubs or parents can assess the risk that may be apparent in that activity, and the management of that risk.
“I’m minded to make a Regulation 28 report. I will take steps to provide that prior to the inquest.”
SolentAlex Eastwood died aged 15 after suffering a head injury in an unsanctioned kickboxing fight[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
