Pattaya expat dies from injuries suffered during WBC Bangkok fight

SCREENSHOT: Christian Daghio fighting Don Parueang on October 26 – ทีเคโอ มวยโลก

An Italian man, and former world champion in Muay Thai and boxing, has tragically died following a fight in Bangkok.

Thai Visa reports that 49 year old Christian Daghio died on Friday in a Bangkok hospital after being put in a coma due to injuries suffered during a WBC Asia title match against Don Parueang on October 26.

Footage of the fight posted on YouTube showed Daghio being knocked out in the 12th round after taking multiple punches to the head and face. He could then be seen being treated by medical staff inside the ring before later being rushed to hospital.

Mr Daghio, who had over 200 professional fights, won seven world titles in Muay Thai and boxing. He moved to Pattaya more than twenty years ago where he ran the Kombat Group training facility.

He had also spent time working as a volunteer for the Tourist Police, who paid tribute to Mr Daghio on their Facebook page.

Mr Daghio’s brother, Fabrizio, who was also his manager, said, “Christian died as he wanted to die, that is in the ring. He dreamed of fighting until he was 80 years old”, Fabrizio told Italian media.

Mr Daghio leaves behind his wife and five year old daughter. News sites in Italy described Daghio as a “legend of Muay Thai”.

ORIGINAL STORY: Thai Visa