Okla. athletic commission investigating death of Toughman contestant who suffered head injury

Okla. commission investigating Toughman’s death

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission is investigating the death of a Toughman contestant.

Commission director Joe Miller said Wednesday that 23-year-old Nathan Johnson of Latta apparently suffered a head injury during a weekend event at the Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market.

Miller says Johnson was lethargic and non-responsive after winning his second fight Saturday.

OU Medical Center spokesman Allen Poston says Johnson died Tuesday, but he can’t release details about the ex-college baseball player’s death.

USA Boxing doesn’t regulate Toughman bouts, which feature novice boxers.

The state commission licenses the events and requires a doctor and paramedic to be at the matches. It also requires participants to have pre- and post-bout physical exams and wear protective head gear and gloves.

(This version CORRECTS the name of the venue.)