Organisers blast 999 delays after kickboxing champion, 14, dies in hospital after collapsing during bout at national title competition
Scott Marsden needed urgent medical attention after competing in Saturday's contest
A TEENAGE kickboxer has died in hospital after collapsing during a bout, police have said.
Scott Marsden, 14, needed urgent medical attention during an English title fight in Leeds on Saturday.
Today organisers of the event confirmed the teenager had died in hospital.
But Jon Green, the World Kickboxing Association’s England chief, blasted 999 delays.
Mr Green, a family pal, said: “Ringside medics fought tirelessly. But emergency response requests failed. I owe it to Scott’s family to get answers.”
Dad Simon, 42, who was in his son’s corner, and mum Jo, 45, were “devastated” and not at home in Sheffield last night.
Mr Green said: “Scott was one of our finest champions in the ring and an ambassador out of it.”
Leeds Martial Arts College also paid tribute: "Our deepest condolences & sympathy go to our friends the Marsdens at this terrible time.
"Scotty will always be in our hearts & our thoughts & we miss you dearly. A true champion in every way who's energy & positivity affected everyone he met. Rest now Scotty lad."
A tweet by kickboxing mind coach Vinny Shoreman ended: “RIP, young warrior.”
West Yorkshire Police said the collapse is not being treated as suspicious.
A force spokesman said: "At 1.20pm on Sunday, police were contacted by medical staff at Leeds General Infirmary reporting a 14-year-old boy who was in a critical condition after collapsing during an organised kickboxing contest at Alexandra Mill, Morley, on Saturday night.
"The family of the boy are at the hospital and have been spoken to by officers.
"Inquiries are being carried out into the circumstances."
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Scott was a member of Marsden's All Styles Kickboxing, in Sheffield.
The club posted a statement on Facebook on Sunday which said training was cancelled until further notice.
A post written earlier in the day said: "Unfortunately, (Saturday) night's English title fight had to be stopped due to Scotty needing immediate medical attention."
The post said the fight was very close when it was halted.
"There was no way to foresee the fight ending in such a way as at no point were either ever in any overwhelming danger from each other," it added.
"Everyone is still in shock as there were simply no signs to suggest the fight needed to be stopped.
"The referee stepped in to protect Scott as soon as he could, which meant Scott did not hit the canvas and was laid down and straight into recovery position.
"Scott was then taken to hospital to undergo tests and scans, where he is stable but not out of the woods."
Sport is divided
AMATEUR rules state all fighters must wear guards for head, mouth, groin, chest and shins.
The World Kickboxing Association approved the fight and allows full contact for 15 to 17-year-olds.
But the British Kickboxing Council, aiming to run the sport, bars such bouts for under-16s.