Kickboxer, 15, died after charity bout, inquest told

The father of a 15-year-old three-time world kickboxing champion from Liverpool has told an inquest how his "beautiful son" suddenly collapsed after an unsanctioned kickboxing match.

Alex Eastwood died three days after the charity bout in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on 29 June last year.

As he gave evidence on the hearing's opening day, Steven Eastwood, 40, described "chaotic scenes" unfolding at the event at the TKMA Gym in the town.

Speaking at Bolton Coroner's Court, Mr Eastwood said treatment by first aiders and coaches was "nowhere near adequate" and it was "far too long" before his son received oxygen.

Alex, who had just finished his GCSEs, fought three rounds before becoming seriously unwell.

Speaking to Coroner Michael Pemberton, Mr Eastwood said he "shouted that his son's head guard had come loose" in the second round, which was rectified.

The court heard how Mr Eastwood noticed his son's movements had become "slower" and he was "holding the rope" in the third round. By the end of the fight he said his son was "swaying" and "punching thin air".

The court heard how the "unsanctioned" independent fight was held on a hot summer's day.

"He was breathing like a big bulldog, struggling," Mr Eastwood told the court.

"I cried three times for help before taking matters into my own hands."

The court heard Mr Eastwood had jumped into the ring before putting his son into the recovery position.

Mr Eastwood told the inquest first aiders and an officiary judge believed he "was just tired".

A scan at Wigan's Royal Albert Edward Infirmary showed he had a significant bleed on the brain and, despite surgery at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, his condition deteriorated and he was declared dead on 2 July 2024.

Coroner Mr Pemberton said at a pre-inquest review hearing he was concerned there was no regulatory guidance in of any child combat sports and took the unusual step of issuing a prevention of death report to Hurricane Combat & Fitness, Kickboxing GB, UK Sport and the Children's Commissioner for England.

He wrote he was concerned for children participating in the sport if there was no minimum standard of what medical may be required, no limit on the number of rounds, or periods of rest.

He also raised concerns over a lack of welfare checks and no risk assessment and critical incident plan.

Speaking at the inquest, Gordon Mitchell from Kickboxing GB said it was an independent fight and that many unsanctioned events are run by promoters across the UK.

In a statement, Kickboxing GB said although the governing body was not involved in this event it had provided evidence to assist the coroner's inquiry.

Culture Secretary and MP for Wigan Lisa Nandy said the safety of those participating in the sport "has to be paramount" and she had asked Sport England to work with the Martial Arts Safeguarding Group and other relevant combat sport stakeholders "on this vital issue."

The inquest resumes on Tuesday.

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