Boxer dies in hospital

A boxer has died after he was knocked out at a charity boxing event. Kain Parsons, 37, died in Christchurch Hospital yesterday. Parsons, a former builder-turned-project-manager for Versatile Garages, was knocked unconscious during a fight against former Canterbury and Tasman Makos halfback Steve Alfeld at Fight for Christchurch on Saturday. According to witnesses, he was stunned twice by punches, prompting the referee to give him two eight standing counts in the first round to check if he was OK to continue, before he was knocked out in the second round. Parsons was not wearing headgear, which was optional, in line with NZ Professional Boxing Association policy. A review of the fight is under way. A statement from the family said: ‘‘Kain is survived by his wife and three beautiful children who will miss their family man more than words can express.’’