A family is suing charity boxing match organisers for £200,000 after a 23-year-old student dies from injuries sustained during an amateur bout in Nottingham. Jubal Reji Kurian collapsed in the ring on 29 March 2023, four days before he died in hospital. He had been knocked down after a blow to the head late in the third and final round of the fight at the Harvey Haddon Sports Centre, where the bout was described as involving three short rounds.
The family’s case, heard at the High Court in London during a pre-trial stage, argues that he would have survived if the referee stopped the match before the “final punch.” The Independent and Metro report that the family contends the level of care required was not met and that a sufficient degree of negligence must be shown for the claim to succeed. Ultra Events Ltd, the organisers, denies liability, saying the referee was experienced and the event included proper training and supervision consistent with an amateur three-round format.
The outlets also note that an inquest into Kurian’s death concluded he died by accident due to bleeding on both sides of the brain. The case is progressing toward trial next year, with disputes over what expert evidence should be heard.
