Briton dies after kickboxing bout in Australia

SYDNEY—An experienced Thai kickboxing champion from Britain has died in Sydney after sustaining a head injury in a weekend bout, one of the sport’s leading figures said Wednesday.

Mark Fowler, who held British citizenship and was the World Boxing Council Muay Thai Lightweight champion for New South Wales, collapsed after a match on Saturday night and failed to regain consciousness. He died on Monday afternoon.

“In the ring he was a force to be reckoned with,” WBC Muay Thai Asia Pacific President Pamorn Martdee said.

“A champion in every sense of the word, a keen sportsman always with a smile, you could just tell he was passionate about Muay Thai and life.”

It is understood that Fowler, 35, who lived in Sydney, fought five rounds against his opponent before being knocked down.

New South Wales Sports Minister Graham Annesley has ordered an inquiry into the death, which occurred after a NSW World Muay Thai Council event, and will be investigated by the coroner.

“I have also instructed the Office of Communities to implement any additional precautions considered necessary to ensure all similar upcoming events fully comply with current legislation and safety requirements,” he said.

Muay Thai is a martial art in which fighters use their fists, feet, knees and elbows.