KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- More than 1,200 friends and family attended boxer Randie Carver's funeral Saturday.

Mourners filled Christ Temple Pentecostal Church to pay their respects to the 24-year-old, who died Tuesday of brain injuries from a fight Sept. 12 at Harrah's Casino in North Kansas City.

Carver was knocked out in the 10th round by Kabary Salem of Brooklyn, N.Y.

The Rev. John Fields said Carver gave a tremendous amount to his community, working with children and encouraging them.

"This was a good young man. As tragic as it may sound, the candlestick he chose for his light to shine was boxing," Fields said.

Rodney Green, whose father, Leroy Green Sr., was Carver's first coach, said the young fighter always made time for others. He said Carver could have moved on to Don King or other boxing promoters as his career took flight. Instead, he was loyal to the community, his family and his faith.

"It's sad he had to pass to get this kind of turnout," Green said.

The composition of those gathered inside the church was testament to Carver's touch, Green said. It was a mix of black, whites and Hispanics, young and old.

Green referred to Carver's nickname, "The Natural."

"He was a naturally great human being. He was naturally good," Green said. "He won every fight here. The Lord needed Randie to fight another battle."

Fields said Carver even managed to help others in death because the fighter's organs were donated when he died.

"Randie Carver lives," Fields shouted to end the services.

Carver was a former Golden Gloves champion who won the North American Boxing Federation super middleweight championship at the casino last year. He had a 23-0-1 record before his fatal loss.

Carver was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City. He is survived by his mother, two sisters and six brothers.