A potentially career-ending bout has left a Porirua kick boxer in an induced coma with spinal injuries.
Ra Redden, the brother of former Kiwi kickboxing champion Rex Redden, was admitted to Wellington Hospital on Saturday night after his Muay Thai kickboxing fight with Gene Elbourne at the Porirua Kennel Club ended in a "tragic accident".
Family spokesman Mike Angove said two paramedics provided Redden care for about 30 minutes before he was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery.
"He couldn't feel his arms and legs below his shoulders," Angove said.
He has since been transported to a Christchurch Hospital for specialised care.
Redden and Elbourne were engaged in a clinch manouevre during their Honour 15 tournament fight, with Redden trying to twist his opponent.
Elbourne reversed the twist before falling on top of Redden, with his neck at a very unusual angle, Angove said.
It was immediately apparent something was wrong after Redden hit the ground, and paramedics were at his side within seconds.
The fall fractured and twisted one of Redden's vertebrae, putting pressure on his spinal cord, Angove said.
"Everyone is just extremely concerned, and a number of family have flown to Christchurch to be there with him.
"As to the seriousness of the injury, no one is 100 per cent sure and the community is rallying around very quickly."
The Redden family are longstanding residents of the Porirua suburb, and have been involved in combat sports for a number of years.
Redden's father was a professional champion boxer throughout the 1960s and 70s.
A Givealittle page has already raised more than $20,000 to help with Redden's ongoing medical care, as well as support his family.
"The emphasis isn't on whether or not [the injury] is career ending, the emphasis is on recovery, understanding what has occurred and helping a young man get his life back to together," Angove said.
"Sport is secondary to recovery."
Photo by: STUFFR. Caption: Redden, pictured here in 2015, is in an induced coma in Christchurch Hospital following a "tragic accident" during a kickboxing tournament that has fractured his vertebrae. (File photo)