New Zealand boxer dies in Tahiti

A New Zealand boxer has died after collapsing 32 seconds into his professional debut in Tahiti. AFP said the French Polynesia Boxing Federation confirmed Peruvian-born Willman Rodriguez Gomez had died in a Papeete hospital an hour after being admitted on Friday. The 29-year-old lightweight, based in Auckland, had been listed to fight fellow rookie Tahitian Karihi Tehei at the Ah-min Boxing Club in Papeete. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was aware of the death of a New Zealand citizen in Tahiti. The New Zealand Consulate-General in New Caledonia is liaising with the honorary consul in Tahiti to help the family get information on repatriation arrangements. The spokesperson said staff are also providing consular assistance to the family.