Fighter who was punched from behind dies in hospital

A young Tongan fighter who was left critically injured after he was punched from behind in central Auckland last weekend has died.

Twenty-five-year-old Fau Vake – a fighter at City Kickboxing who trained with UFC champion Israel Adesanya – was left in a coma after being punched from behind in Symonds Street during the early hours of last Sunday morning.

A statement from City Kickboxing confirmed that Vake had died this weekend.

“It is with inexplicable sadness almost seven days to the hour after his hospital admission, Fau’s fight to find his way back to us ended.

“At this tragic time, the Vake family and City Kickboxing ask for time to grieve and reflect on the loss of Fau, a father, a son and a much loved brother to us all.

“We will speak when the time is right to ensure Fau’s loss is not forgotten, but for now please respect our privacy.”

Vake is one of the main training partners of UFC champion Israel Adesanya, who is leading the call for tougher laws for such attacks.

Four people have been charged by the police in relation to the incident.

Earlier, Vake’s uncle-in-law Veili Pāongo said his nephew was “a rising star” in his boxing field, and members of the UFC Tongan mixed martial art fight community were at his side in the hospital, including coach Lolo Heimuli.