It’s a risk that all fighters know when they go into the ring or octagon, that one punch could have a devastating impact.
Unfortunately for Adam Braidwood, a former CFL’er with the Edmonton Eskimos who has turned his physical talents to boxing and training in Victoria, his last punch Friday night in a heavyweight bout was a fatal one for his opponent.
Braidwood faced Tim Hague, a 34-year-old former mixed martial arts fighter.
Braidwood and Hague were close friends and Hague accepted the fight just two weeks before.
Braidwood knocked Hague down multiple times before the second-round technical knockout that ended the fight.
Hague was taken to hospital and his death was announced on Sunday.
Braidwood spoke with Hague’s family privately and then yesterday afternoon he spoke publicly on social media.
“I want to thank everyone for their support, all the kind words, they make a big difference,” Braidwood said.
“All the theatrics leading up to this, Tim and I were friends, we spoke beforehand, we just wanted to make a beautiful fight for everyone and that’s what this is all about.”
Braidwood added, “it’s one of those things where everybody saw me celebrating but, you know, no-one saw me pick up Tim and carry him to the corner and tell him that I love him.”
“I just want everyone to try to help Tim’s family, that’s what this should really be about.”
“Instead of leaving a comment, contact his family and I know they set up an account, help them any way that you can.”
Braidwood trains at Zuma MMA Club in Victoria.
Andy Neal
