Team GB hopeful kickboxer, 15, died three days after head injury suffered in ‘unsanctioned' fight as dad pays tribute
A TEENAGE kickboxer tipped as a future Team GB athlete died three days after suffering a head injury in a charity fight.
Alex Eastwood, 15, tragically passed away from the injuries he sustained during the kickboxing event on June 29 last year.
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The teenager was rushed to hospital after collapsing during the unsanctioned bout at a kickboxing gym in Wigan, Lancashire.
It is understood that, if the fight had been sanctioned by kickboxing authorities, the two boys would not have been allowed to fight one another.
Alex was taken to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, where a CT scan revealed he had suffered a brain bleed.
He was placed into an induced coma and later transferred to Manchester Children's Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, his condition worsened and he tragically died a short time later in hospital on July 2.
Giving a heartfelt tribute at Alex's inquest, his father Stephen Eastwood praised him as a "beautiful soul".
Speaking at Bolton Coroner's Court, he said: "He was a lovely boy.
"I'd just like people to remember him as the wonderful, beautiful soul that he was.
"He was a beautiful, beautiful soul and I want everybody to know that."
Talented Alex was a member of the Hurricane Combat and Fitness club, where he achieved a black belt in kickboxing.
The teen sensation was due to compete in the World Championships in Portugal in October 2024, having already secured six wins during his burgeoning career.
Mr Eastwood recounted the horrifying moment Alex collapsed in the ring and "slumped over the ropes".
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He added: "If I recall correctly, his head guard came loose a few times in the second round.
"I did shout at him a few times because it had come loose in that round.
"At the end of the fight he was holding onto one of the ropes, head down.
"We knew he had lost the fight. He turned to face the corner of the ring.
"The opponent approached to shake Alex's hand. Alex just made a gesture.
"Within seconds, Alex walked to the ropes, started punching the air, and slumped over."
The match he participated in consisted of three two-minute, light contact rounds.
But it did not have official sanctioning by a UK kickboxing authority.
Representing Alex's family, barrister Adam Korn said: "Had this been a sanctioned event, these boys would never have been put in the ring together."
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