Tears flow for boxer Braydon Smith

UPDATE: Even in death, Braydon Smith inspires. The talented young boxer, who tragically died yesterday, chose to be an organ donor.

Braydon Smith had chosen to donate his organs which will help others to live. Picture: Dave Noonan

UPDATE: Even in death, Braydon Smith inspires.

The talented young boxer, who tragically died yesterday, chose to be an organ donor.

That decision means his organs will go to help others have life.

READ MORE ABOUT BRAYDON SMITH'S BOXING HERE

HANG YOUR GLOVES OUT TRIBUTE FOR BRAYDON

MONDAY 4:45PM: A life which promised so much was brought to a tragic end today with the death of Braydon Smith.

The popular young boxer and law student who collapsed some hours after stepping out of the ring at Rumours International in Toowoomba on Saturday night breathed his last surrounded by family and close friends at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane early this afternoon.

Close family friend James O'Shea had been with Braydon, who would have turned 24 next month, after he collapsed at Toowoomba Hospital before he was airlifted to Brisbane about 4am Sunday.

LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTES TO BRAYDON SMITH HERE

An emotional Mr O'Shea spoke on behalf of the family just moments after Braydon's death which had devastated his family, his many friends and the close knit local boxing community.

The region is in mourning after the death of popular young boxer Braydon Smith. Picture: Dave Noonan

"I know it's a bit of a cliché at times like these to say he had the world at his feet but, you know, Braydon did have the world at his feet," Mr O'Shea said.

"Not just in boxing, but in life.

"That's the hardest part to take because he was just a beautiful human being. He was such a great kid."

#prayforbrayd Tweets

Mr O'Shea said Braydon had expected to complete his law degree later this year. "Braydon Smith didn't need boxing, but he loved boxing, he loved the sport," Mr O'Shea said.

"He wanted to change the image of boxing.

"He spoke about there being a perception about boxing and that it sometimes got a bad rap in Australia and he wanted to change that.

"He never drank (alcohol), he never smoked and he was never in any trouble.

"I've always said Braydon would reach his peak in whatever he set out to do.

"Whether that was in boxing, he'd reach his peak. It was the same with law. If he set out to be the best lawyer in Australia, he would reach that peak too.

"He was so dedicated and he was so physically and mentally tough."

The young boxer lost a 10-round decision to Filipino boxer John Moralde for the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental featherweight championship in a torrid bout in Toowoomba Saturday night.

After leaving the ring, he had spoken with family and friends including Mr O'Shea and had appeared to have been fine.

However, he collapsed soon after and was taken to hospital with what was at first thought to be minor bleeding and swelling on the brain.

He was airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and prepared for emergency theatre and placed in an induced coma.

Mr O'Shea said his young friend never regained consciousness and died with those closest to him at his bedside.

"One of the guys down there (PA Hospital) said Braydon was used to being in front of big crowds and there was a big crowd at the hospital for him," he said.

Mr O'Shea said Braydon was an organ donor and his organs would go to help others have life.

3PM: Toowoomba boxer Braydon Smith has died in a Brisbane hospital.

Family spokesman James O'Shea this afternoon confirmed the tragic news.

The 23-year-old had been surrounded by family and friends while in a critical condition at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

He had collapsed a few hours after being beaten in a 10-round bout against Filipino John Moralde at Rumours International on Saturday night.

9AM: Thousands have offered their prayers and goodwill for critically-injured Toowoomba boxer Braydon Smith.

Smith, 23, collapsed several hours after his 10-round bout with Filipino John Moralde at Rumours International on Saturday night and is on life support in Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Family spokesman James O'Shea said at 8am this morning that Smith remained in a critical condition in hospital.

Residents have backed the boxer in his "biggest fight".

BOXER ON LIFE SUPPORT AFTER TOOWOOMBA BOUT

Mark Aboud wrote: "Like you said to me, you still (have to) win Australian gold in the Olympics. Wake up please mate."

Using the hashtag #prayforbrayd, Robyn Prenzler Wilson wrote: "Sure the whole of Toowoomba has this boy in their prayers and thoughts."

Susan Hornery Brayd wrote about the mentorship of 'The Great White' Smith.

"(He) is a mentor to the young and old in the gym, never says a bad word about anyone, a quiet word of encouragement to those he trains with, and (is) studying to be a lawyer.

"Why did this happen to him?

"We need a miracle, so let's all pray for him and his wonderful family who need us to support them as he defends the fight of his life."

Jo Haines wrote: "My two sons just love him. (This is) shocking news"

"Don't stop fighting Brayden - our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family," Julie Willett wrote.

Originally published as Tears flow for boxer Braydon Smith