Boxer suffers ‘mild stroke’ and has to have blood clot removed from brain weeks after losing to Brit Lawrence Okolie
CRUISERWEIGHT boxer David Light has reportedly suffered a “mild stroke”, just weeks after his fight against British world champion Lawrence Okolie.
New Zealander Light, 31, came up short in his WBO title attempt in Manchester on March 25 as Okolie clinched a unanimous decision victory.
According to Peach Boxing, Light became unwell in the weeks after the bout.
A first CT scan came back clear as the fighter was diagnosed with delayed concussion and discharged.
But further symptoms led to him being admitted to Waitakere Hospital in Auckland on April 17 – where a second CT scan uncovered a blood clot.
Surgery was then performed that evening after Light suffered a “mild stroke”.
Doctors expect the boxer to make a full recovery.
A statement from Peach Boxing read: “New Zealand boxer David Light is in Auckland hospital receiving treatment after becoming unwell upon returning home to New Zealand following his bout against Lawrence Okolie for the WBO cruiserweight title in Manchester on March 25.
“David reported no ill effects in the aftermath of the bout and returned home to New Zealand on April 1.
“On April 5, David began feeling unwell and sought medical attention. He underwent a CT scan, which was clear. He was diagnosed with delayed concussion and discharged.
“David continued to have symptoms and on April 17 he was admitted to Waitakere Hospital.
“A second CT scan was also clear. David then received a contrast CT scan, which revealed a blood clot.
“David underwent surgery that night for ‘clot retrieval’. He has been diagnosed as suffering a mild stroke – and is now recovering.
“His doctors expect him to make a full recovery – however it will be some time before David is well enough to conduct media interviews.
“David and his family have requested privacy at this time. Thank you for respecting those wishes.”
Light’s trainer Isaac Peach has admitted it has been difficult to watch the fighter’s struggle, but insists he is on the road to recovery.
Peach said: “It’s really hard for all of us to see him like that.
“He’s a guy who is around every day and for something like this to happen is devastating for the gym.
“I don’t have information of what’s happening in the hospital, all I know is David’s going really well. Each day I see him he’s getting better. He’s talking, he’s smiling, he’s laughing.”
Light has a professional record of 20 wins and one defeat – with that lone loss coming at the hands of Okolie.