After recent brain surgery on a tumour, Peau died peacefully in his sleep in Auckland Hospital this morning, aged 54, reports TVNZ.

Thunder grew up in Auckland and attended Onehunga High School.

He represented New Zealand, but also held the Australian heavyweight title twice, as well as the  IBO and WBF heavyweight titles.

According to Wikipedia, he currently holds the world record for arguably the fastest knockout (1½ seconds) in the history of boxing.

His professional record of 49 fights includes 35 wins - 28 by knockout, and 14 losses.