Former surfing champion Chris Davidson dies in alleged one punch attack

Former Australian surfer Chris Davidson has died after an alleged one-punch assault on the NSW mid-north coast overnight.

Davidson was allegedly punched in the face by a man outside a pub in South West Rocks shortly after 11pm last night.

The ex-surfer fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement, police said. 

Police found the 45-year-old unconscious.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Kempsey Hospital, where he died a short time later.

A 42-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of this morning at a home in South West Rocks and taken to Kempsey Police Station.

He was charged with assault causing death and refused bail to appear before Port Macquarie Bail Court today.

Surfing magazine Tracks reported Davidson was a gifted surfer in the early '90s.

In 1996, Davidson, who was then 19 years old, famously defeated Kelly Slater in two consecutive heats, according to Tracks.

Davidson climbed to number 14 in the world rankings in 2010.