A Queenstown journalist who collapsed 15 minutes after a series of one-minute sparring sessions for June's Thriller in the Chiller charity boxing event had chosen not to wear protective head gear.
A Dunedin Hospital spokesman confirmed yesterday Southland Times reporter Grant Bryant was "progressing well" after an operation following the collapse, which happened late last week.
Mr Bryant was one of 50 people four weeks into a five-week training "boot camp" hoping to fight in the Queenstown Winter Festival event.
Festival director Simon Green said Mr Bryant's collapse had been "totally unexpected" and investigators were still puzzled by the exact cause.
"At this relatively early stage, the focus of the training is on fitness, getting some technical grounding and some light, technique-based sparring," Mr Green said.
The camp is run by Queenstown's only fully-certified boxing coach, Darryl Giddens, and an experienced team of trainers. After a Winter Festival directive Mr Giddens issued a "no comment" when contacted yesterday by the Otago Daily Times.
Mr Green said Mr Bryant had been at a stage of training where head gear was optional, and the boxers had been told to spar at about 40% of full power.
"As part of our investigation, I've talked to the trainers, other participants ... and no-one can pinpoint any particular instance that they believe may have caused any sort of injury. "It was some time after sparring had concluded ... Grant excused himself and then collapsed, which again makes it difficult to determine the exact cause."
Mr Green said he did not know what type of surgery Mr Bryant had undergone or the specific nature of the injury.
Although Mr Bryant would not be returning to the ring, Mr Green confirmed the Thriller in the Chiller would still proceed.
