Pre-inquest review into death of 15-year-old kickboxing world champion

Alex became world champion in his age group in 2019, holding the title for a further six years. He was due to travel to Portugal to represent Great Britain. 

Alex died on 2 July 2024 after suffering a head injury while taking part in an unsanctioned kickboxing fight on 29 June 2024 in Wigan. 

He had fought three individual rounds of a bout at a kickboxing gym in Platt Bridge, Wigan, before becoming seriously unwell.  

He was initially taken to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan and was then transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) after he was found to have a bleed on the brain. Alex underwent surgery but died in hospital on 2 July. 

Alex’s family, who live in Fazakerley, are concerned about the safety measures and precautions in place around his fight on 29 June, as well as the regulation around child combat sports more generally. 

They also have questions as to why Alex was not taken immediately to a specialist head injuries unit in Manchester, rather than being taken by ambulance to a smaller hospital in Wigan. They are also concerned that significant time passed between Alex collapsing and being taken to RMCH. 

HM Assistant Coroner Michael Pemberton will hear important submissions in relation to Alex’s injuries. 

Alex’s family are represented by Thomas Jervis and Jill Paterson, personal injury solicitors at law firm Leigh Day.