24-year-old Muay Thai fighter dies after amateur charity tournament at National Stadium
A 24-year-old Muay Thai fighter died after being taken to hospital following a bout at the Amateur Muaythai Championship (AMC)-13: Fight for Hope tournament at the National Stadium on 12 Sept.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed his death on Monday (28 Sept), saying a report was lodged the following morning after the man was conveyed unconscious to hospital.
Police said preliminary investigations do not suggest foul play, and investigations are ongoing.
According to Death Kopitiam Singapore, the fighter was identified as Damian Peh.
Source: @singapore.muaythai.association on Instagram
Fighter taken to hospital after tournament
SPF told MS News that a police report was lodged at around 8am on 13 Sept over an incident involving a 24-year-old man.
He had been conveyed unconscious to hospital after taking part in the tournament the previous day, but “subsequently passed away”.
Police did not identify the fighter or state when he died.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at 1 Stadium Drive at about 7.05pm on 12 Sept.
One person was conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
On 17 Sept, a netizen also commented on the Singapore Muaythai Association’s (SMA) Instagram page, alleging that Damian had suffered a “serious brain injury” from the fight and was “fighting for his life”.
Source: Instagram
The commenter later told MS News that he was a member of Damian’s family.
SMA said bout was stopped in third round
Later that day, SMA confirmed on Instagram that an incident had occurred during the tournament.
The association said its on-site medical team provided immediate assistance before the individual was taken to hospital for further medical attention.
Source: @singapore.muaythai.association on Instagram
SMA added that it had begun a formal review and was working with relevant parties to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It also said it was in contact with the family and would provide support during the difficult period.
SMA president Mike Tang had earlier told The Straits Times (ST) that the referee stopped the bout in the third round as a safety precaution.
Source: @singapore.muaythai.association on Instagram
He disputed reports that the fighter had been knocked out in the ring, saying both athletes were able to remain for the result announcement and leave the ring on their own.
One of them later required medical attention and was attended to by on-site medics before being taken to hospital.
Source: @singapore.muaythai.association on Instagram
Fight for Hope held in support of Breast Cancer Foundation
AMC-13: Fight for Hope was a Muay Thai festival organised by SMA in support of Breast Cancer Foundation Singapore.
The event took place at the National Stadium on 12 Sept as part of a series held across three weekends in August and September.
Following the incident, SMA said the safety and well-being of its participants remained its “highest priority”.
Police investigations and SMA’s formal review are ongoing.
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Featured image adapted from @singapore.muaythai.association on Instagram.
