Toowoomba community pays tribute to well-respected boxer

The Toowoomba and Darling Downs boxing communities are shattered following the sudden passing of a well-known fighter. Brendon Smith has paid tribute to his decade long friend.

Hero Tito weighs in ahead of his IBO super featherweight world champion title fight against Jack Asis on the TGW and Smithy Brings the Big Fights 10 card in 2015. Picture: Kevin Farmer

BOXING: The elation of Steve Spark’s big win was offset by tragic news for the Toowoomba boxer and his trainer Brendon Smith last Thursday.

As the pair celebrated Spark’s dominate TKO win over River Daz, Smith received a phone call from the family of Hero Tito telling him of the boxer’s sudden passing.

The Indonesian boxer, who had been in a coma for several days, died after injuries sustained in his last fight.

“It’s heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking,” Smith said.

“Steve, myself and the rest of the team where in the dressing room after his win over River Daz when I received the phone call.”

Smith has known Tito and his family for more than decade working with and against a fighter he describes as a gentleman and genuine family man.

“I’ve known Hero for more than a decade, and he’s well known around the gym and across the Darling Downs,” Smith said.

“He was on cards I promoted, and he often came to me for advice on other (fight) cards he was considering appearing on.

“I managed him in fights, and there were times he was on the other side of the ring, and through it all he an honourable man.

“We travelled Australia and the world together, and I can honestly say he was a true gentleman, a great friend to me and so many other and a real family man.

“Every time he fought it was to secure a better future for his family.”

Tito was due to fight Warwick’s rising star Jake Wylie this Saturday in Toowoomba before his untimely passing.

A special “10 count” will be held in his honour, and fundraising efforts will be conducted during The Big Fights 29 to support Tito’s wife and children.