Picture Credit: Twitter
Anthony Durand has shockingly announced retirement from Muay Thai boxing after his opponent Phanphet Phadungchai died. Phanphet and Durand fought at the Thupatemi Air Force boxing stadium in Pathum Thani province on July 15. An elbow to the jaw of Phanphet ended the fight in the fifth round. Durand's hit sent his opponent flying to the ground, with his head hitting the canvas hard.
The blow left him unconscious and Phadungchai was reportedly rushed to a Bangkok hospital. But doctors claimed him brain dead as the deadly blow had resulted in a brain hemorrhage. Reports further indicated that breathing apparatus had kept Phadungchai alive for nine days but eventually, he passed away on Saturday. Following his death, Anthony Durand announced retirement from the sports via a social media post as he mentioned that he was shocked and felt too much sadness after listening the news about Phanphet.
"I am aware that I am not responsible for what happened, but its the risk at some point, you have to take it. It's a bit shock, maybe he took a lot of blows before that fights," Durand wrote in a Facebook post.
In his Facebook post, Duran informed that he has decided to extend financial help to the family of Phanphet. "I only wish he is resting in peace now and I commit to his mother, wife, and their little girl to contribute financially until they tell me they don't need it anymore," his statement read.
"I will not return. Thank you to everyone who has been there since my debut. I am so sorry because I know that some people have sacrificed a lot to see me at the top," he concluded.