A 30-year-old British man collapsed and died just moments after participating in his first ever Muay Thai kickboxing match in Thailand.
The fight, staged at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium, in Koh Samui, Surant Thani province, took place on Friday evening at 9.30pm.
During the third round, the referee halted the fight after the British man was reportedly kicked by his opponent in the right side of his rib cage, according to local media outlet Khaosod English.
At the end of the bout, the man was able to leave the ring and removed his gloves, but fell unwell while unwrapping his hand bandages.
He experienced muscle tension, while his breathing became laboured and his eyes were rolling, according to witnesses.
The man remained conscious, but just moments later he collapsed, with his heart having reportedly stopped.
His trainer is said to have given him CPR until emergency services arrived and took him to Thai International Hospital, just under two miles away from the venue.
Despite their efforts, the man was tragically pronounced dead at 11pm.
A police officer from Bo Phut Police Station inspects the body of a 30-year-old British man who died just moments after participating in his first ever Muay Thai kickboxing match in Thailand
Police are now investigating the death, which happened on Friday night in Koh Samui, Surant Thani province
The man was taking part in his first ever match at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium on Friday night when he collapsed
An autopsy is said to have been carried out at Koh Samui Hospital, while local Thai police are investigating.
Known as ‘the art of eight limbs’ Muay Thai involves using the arms, shins, fists and feet to overcome opponents.
Invented in Thailand, the sport became widely popular after being incorporated into military training by King Naresuan in 1560.
Bonds made from knotted rope were once used to protect the knuckles and damage the opposing fighter but after several deaths, they were exchanged for padded gloves in the 1990s.
The controversial matches, which are staged across the Asian nation, are hugely popular and draw in crowds of thousands when they are staged.
However, the sport is also notoriously dangerous and has previously resulted in fatalities.
MailOnline has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.
Known as ‘the art of eight limbs’ Muay Thai involves using the arms, shins, fists and feet to overcome opponents
The controversial matches, which are staged across the Asian nation, are hugely popular and draw in crowds of thousands when they are staged – but the sport is notoriously dangerous
