Italian boxer, kickboxer, and mixed martial artist Christian Daghio, 49, died on October 26th after being knocked out in a boxing match in Bangkok, Thailand (per News.com.au). In the 12th round of his fight, versus Don Parueang, Daghio suffered two knockdowns, the last of which caused the back of his head to crash against the canvas. After this knockdown Daghio was transported to a hospital. He passed away shortly after.
Daghio was facing Paureang for a WBC Asia title. News.com.au stated that Daghio’s brother, Fabrizio, spoke to Italian press about his brother’s passing. “Christian died as he wanted to die, that is in the ring,” said Daghio. “He dreamed of fighting until he was 80 years old.”
The late Daghio was a seven time Muay Thai world champion and a veteran of over 200 fights. As a boxer, Daghio was undefeated in 10 fights prior to facing Paureang. Daghio also once competed in mixed martial arts, losing his only bout via decision back in 2009.
Daghio was born in Capri, Italy. He had been living, training, and fighting in and around Pattaya, Thailand for the past 20 years. In Pattaya he was a coach at Kombat Group Thailand. Daghio was also a volunteer with Thailand’s Tourist Police. Daghio leaves behind a wife and a five-year-old daughter.
Daghio is at least the third boxer to die from suspected injuries caused in a fight this year. In March, Canadian boxer David Whittom passed away after being in a coma for 10 months. He suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fight in New Brunswick, Canada in May 2017. He was 39 years old. In February, British boxer Scott Westgarth died shortly after winning a match in Doncaster, England. He was 31 years old.
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