Bare knuckle fighter Francesco Ricchi in coma after brutal punch to his throat caused internal bleeding during win

BARE KNUCKLE fighter Francesco Ricchi has been left fighting for his life after receiving a brutal punch to the throat during a bout.

The Italian, 26, was put in a medically induced coma after facing Noah Cutter at BKFC 14 on Friday 13.

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Francesco Ricchi (R) has been put in a medically induced coma after being punched in the throat during a bare knuckle boxing fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The boxer had originally got up from the punch to his trachea that floored him in the first round to ultimately put down his opponent in the third.

But Ricchi was later hospitalised and placed into a medically-induced coma after developing a haematoma on his throat that led to bleeding in the lungs.

News about his health only became public knowledge following his opponent Cutter’s statement on social media.

He wrote: “Prayers and best wishes to my opponent Francesco.

“I’ve been informed he’s in the hospital in a medically induced coma due to bleeding in his lungs from a hematoma in his trachea due to a throat punch during the fight. Obviously accidental.

“We come out here to hurt each other but I never want to see this for an opponent. Prayers from my family. Heal up.”

Following Cutter’s announcement, BKFC President David Feldman soon issued a statement to MMA Fighting.

That statement read: “First and foremost our thoughts are with Francesco and his family at this time as we pray for a quick and full recovery.

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“The injury did not deter Francesco from a victorious result on Friday night but complications during the surgery at the hospital have resulted in a greater issue to his health.”

Ricchi switched to bare-knuckle fighting from MMA, where he boasted a 1-0 pro record and a 2-2 amateur record.

His win over Cutter put him 2-0 in BKFC.

Watch Polish bare-knuckle boxer, nicknamed ‘Tyson’, land sickening KO blow on opponent, who left on a stretcher