'Boxer's death caused opponent to suffer PTSD'

The death of Dominic Chapman (left, pictured with his father John) has left his opponent with PTSD

The opponent of a boxer who died after taking part in a white collar boxing event said he now suffers post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

James Bradley, who fought 26-year-old Dominic Chapman, also said he had blocked out memories of the fatal bout.

Mr Chapman collapsed after the six-minute bout with Mr Bradley at Tramps nightclub in Worcester and died two days later.

Speaking at an inquest at Worcestershire Coroners Court, Mr Bradley said: "I have blocked the whole thing out - I have been diagnosed with PTSD."

He continued: "I do not remember leaving the ring, all I remember is my wife coming to find me."

Mr Bradley was an experienced fighter while Mr Chapman was a newcomer.

He told the coroner he "vaguely" remembered Mr Chapman collapsing in the ring.

He had been concerned about the equipment the boxers were asked to wear and said that his headguard "kept on slipping".

The boxers were asked to wear re-used gloves and headguards, something he was only made aware of when he got there, he said.

"Me and Dominic were the eighth fight - the gloves and headguards were quite wet by then," he said.

"My headguard was that wet from sweat, it was moving. I can’t remember how many times it moved, but it was moving."

He said he had "expressed concern" about it to other boxers - but did not raise it with the organisers.

Mr Bradley was an experienced kickboxer and martial artist, who had been involved in combat sports for around nine years, mainly to keep himself fit, the inquest heard.

He said during the training before the event, he decided to "do the right thing" and go easier on some sparring partners, although he described Mr Chapman as "a good striker" despite his lack of experience.

The inquest continues.