Sydney kickboxer smiled and joked, but then passed out and died - Sydney Morning Herald

Collapsed and died: Mark Fowler. Photo: Rockfingrz

Kickboxer Mark Fowler smiled and joked with his trainers in the moments after he took a punch to the head during a match in southwest Sydney, an inquest into his death has heard.

Counsel assisting, Samantha Ferguson, told the NSW Coroners Court on Thursday the 35-year-old was chatting and walking following his final Muay Thai bout on August 13, 2011.

But by night's end, the lightweight champ was unconscious in hospital suffering a large subdural haematoma.

Ms Ferguson said Mr Fowler was punched in the head during the fifth and final round of the bout and appeared "stunned" for several seconds before standing up.

He lost on a points decision, the court heard, but did not take it badly.

"Mr Mark Fowler reportedly smiled at his trainer," Ms Ferguson said in her opening address.

Directly after the match, Mr Fowler's trainers found him to be fit and responsive but he quickly took a turn for the worse, vomiting and appearing "drunk" before passing out altogether.

Detective Senior Constable Brett Hill investigated the death and described it as "an unfortunate accident".

He said he had interviewed a medical specialist and formed the view that from the moment Mr Fowler took the blow to his head, his fate was sealed.

"It wouldn't matter if Mark had surgery on the ring - he was going to pass away," Senior Constable Hill said.

Magistrate Hugh Dillon told the court that proposed changes to the Combat Sports Act 2008, currently before NSW Parliament, could "obviate the need for recommendations".

The government announced the tough new laws in the wake of Mr Fowler's death.

"If Mr Fowler's death has resulted in the sport becoming safer and more regulated, then it is a very high price to pay, but at least (his death) will not be in vain," Mr Dillon said.

The court has heard Mr Fowler's trainer Tony Favuzzi, who promoted the 2011 match, had been refused permission to run a professional contest and so rebadged the fight as an amateur match.

Mr Favuzzi was charged in relation to the fight permit and pleaded guilty, but no conviction was recorded, the court has heard.

The inquest continues.

AAP