Australian Smith fights for life after losing to Filipino boxer

MANILA, Philippines – An Australian boxer who lost a unanimous decision to Filipino prospect John Vincent Moralde on Saturday night is fighting for his life after collapsing shortly after. 

Braydon Smith, who was defeated by Davao City native Moralde (12-0, 6 knockouts) at Rumours International in Toowoomba, Australia, is on life support after being airlifted to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, where his family holds vigil at bedside.

A source at the scene tells Rappler that the previously unbeaten 23-year-old looked “white as a ghost” as he held an ice pack to his head sitting in the dressing room following the ten-round fight. Shortly after someone screamed for an ambulance as he slumped to the floor with his father/trainer Brendon Smith – who also promoted the event – attempting to revive him. 

A source says that the fight was the “blueprint for a fight where someone collapses” as the light-hitting Moralde, 20, landed uppercuts at will. The brave Smith was wobbled once in the ninth round but never exhibited signs of being imperiled enough to have the fight stopped.

Moralde, speaking with Rappler in Manila, says “I’m very saddened to hear of Braydon’s condition but I am praying for his full recovery. My prayers are with his family.”

Brayd Smith’s aunt Tressa Lindenberg tells the Courier Mail: “The family is really, really struggling.”

Smith is in his final year of studying for his Bachelor of Law degree at University of Southern Queensland. He turned pro in 2011 and won the WBC Youth Silver featherweight title in 2013 with a first round knockout of Filipino boxer Gabriel Altarejos. – Rappler.com

Ryan Songalia is the sports editor of Rappler, a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and a contributor to The Ring magazine. He can be reached at ryan.songalia@rappler.com. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanSongalia.