Australian boxer Dwight Ritchie collapses and dies after taking a freak punch to his body during training

Champion Australian boxer Dwight Ritchie has died in a freak accident after he was punched in the stomach during training. 

The 27-year-old was sparring with Michael Zerafa on Saturday night in Melbourne when he took a body shot before walking to his corner of the ring and collapsing. 

Ritchie, from Shepparton in Victoria, only lost twice in his 21-fight career, most recently against Tim Tszyu when they fought for the IBF Australasian super-welterweight title in August. 

Ritchie had been the holder of that belt going into the bout, and also previously held the Australian middleweight title.

His promoter and friend Jake Ellis announced the tragic news in a heartfelt tribute on Facebook. 

It is with great sadness and shock to announce that 'The Fighting Cowboy' Dwight Ritchie sadly passed away today doing what he loved, the post read.

Dwight will always be remembered by the boxing fraternity as one of the brightest talents in Australia whose fighting style embodied exactly how he lived.

RIP Cowboy you’ll be forever missed.