Rashed Al-Swaisat dead: Boxer, 19, dies following fight at World Championship
A 19-year-old boxer has passed away 10 days after undergoing brain surgery following a fight in Poland.
Rashed Al-Swaisat collapsed in the third round of his bout with Anton Winogradow at the Youth World Championship on April 16.
He was treated in the ring before being rushed to hospital for emergency surgery but passed away on Monday night.
A statement from the AIBA read: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Rashed Al-Swaisat of Jordan, who had been admitted to hospital on April 16 further to his fight during the AIBA YWCHs.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates, to whom we offer our sincere condolences.”
Al-Swaisat clearly lost the first two rounds of his bout before collapsing during the third and final session.
It remains unclear whether his injury was suffered during the fight or was an exacerbation of an existing condition.
Tributes poured in from the world of boxing with Dutch Boxing Federation president Boris van der Vorst tweeting: Today is a sad day for the entire world boxing community, as we acknowledge the untimely passing of a young man, Rashed Al-Swaisat, who was a member of the Jordanian National Boxing Team. My sympathies and prayers are with Rashed’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
A statement from the Jordan Olympic Committee read:”The Jordan Olympic Committee expresses its deep sadness and deep pain over the death of the national boxing team player for the youth category, Rashid Al-Swaisat, who moved to the mercy of God Almighty on Monday evening as a result of an injury he suffered during his fight on Friday evening April 16 in the World Youth Championships.”
Following the fight, Polish police confirmed they were investigating the incident.
“Police officers are planning interrogations, and the prosecutor’s office is also to deal with the case,” a spokesperson said.
“The collected materials will be sent to the prosecutor’s office in order to possibly take further action.”
The World Championship took place over two weeks earlier this month with India topping the medal table with 11. Russia also won 11 while Uzbekistan finished third with 10.
