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Dead boxer’s heartbroken dad pays tribute to son

The father of a young boxer who died in Queensland has urged the fighter who beat his son not to blame himself for the death.

Toowoomba boxer Braydon Smith died when his life support was turned off in a Brisbane hospital on Monday, less than two days after he lost a 10-round featherweight bout.

The 23-year-old had collapsed 90 minutes after a WBC Asian Boxing Council continental title fight with Filipino John Moralde on Saturday night.

Boxer’s death sparks calls to ban the sport

Smith’s father, renowned trainer Brendon Smith, has reached out to Moralde in a statement issued through the Facebook page for Smithy’s Gym, which he runs in Toowoomba.

“I wish to pass on my thoughts to John Vincente Moralde,” Smith Sr wrote.

“John is not to blame and I know Brayd will want him to go on and continue his career.”

He also paid tribute to his son’s generosity, even in death.

“Tuesday morning at 3am his heart was given to the World, as was his lungs, liver, pancreas and kidneys,” he wrote.

“Because of Brayd five people received his gift of life.

“In the past he wanted to give blood but wasn’t able to because he was a boxer and he was so disappointed.”

Smith Sr also said his thoughts were with the bout’s referee.

“To Tony Kettlewell, the referee on the night, you are not to blame either,” he wrote.

“Please don’t carry any blame on your shoulders.

“Brayd loved you refereeing him. I can say you were his favourite referee.”

Smith Sr described his son, who was also studying law, as “perfect” and “the most humble, intelligent caring gentleman I have ever seen”.

“My son entered the boxing ring, proud to be in front of his family friends and home town,” he said.

“He also walked out just as proud and just as humble.”

Smith Sr touched upon calls for boxing to be banned, particularly from the Australian Medical Association Queensland, in the wake of his son’s death.

He said his son, known in the ring as “The Great White”, loved boxing and never judged others, but was judged himself for his chosen sport.

Smith had been undefeated in 12 fights before his bout with Moralde and won 10 of those by knockout.

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