Pinoy boxer Moralde offers prayers for Australian foe who died after their fight

Filipino fighter John Vincent Moralde on Monday offered prayers after receiving news that his Australian opponent died after their bout this past weekend.

Brayd Smith passed away on Monday, two days after lapsing into comatose shortly after losing to the unbeaten Moralde in Queensland.

"I pray for Brayd's soul, may he rest in peace. He's gone too soon. Hopefully his friends and family will be okay," Moralde told GMA News Online.

The 23-year-old Smith reportedly underwent two operations to remove a blood clot in his brain.

Moralde's manager Jim Claude Manangquil also offered his condolences.

"All my prayers goes to Brayd Smith, his family and friends. Hopefully his family can recover from this tragedy... God has a better place for a great guy like Brayd," he said. —JST, GMA News