Police arrested a 21-year-old Waianae man yesterday for allegedly assaulting former world lightweight boxing champion Andy Ganigan, 57, leaving him with permanent brain damage.

“;One thing that we're really upset about is ... what we don't understand is a 21-year-old trying to beat up an old man,”; said Ganigan's niece, Michelle Shue, who spoke on behalf of the family.

Witnesses to the assault identified the suspect, and police arrested him on suspicion of second-degree assault yesterday. He was later released pending investigation.

Prosecutors will review the case, which is expected to go to court, police said.

Ganigan and a friend had just left Last Stop Bar, near the Highway Inn in Waipahu, when he was assaulted near some stairs leading to Pizza Hut about 11 p.m. March 23.

The suspect had been drinking and does not recall what the fight was about, police said.

Ganigan was hospitalized in Honolulu, and was later transported with two medical escorts to a rehabilitation hospital in Las Vegas, where his eldest daughter and two of his five sons live.

The former boxer suffered severe brain damage and needs round-the-clock care for the rest of his life, Shue said. Ganigan can sometimes recognize people, but only sporadically, she said.

He has regained most of his motor skills, and can walk with assistance.

“;Doctors are saying that's the extent of the injury,”; Shue said. “;It not going to heal.”;

Ganigan, who became the North American Boxing Federation lightweight champion in 1978, was named World Athletic Association lightweight champion in 1981 when he knocked out Sean O'Grady. Ganigan, known as the Hawaiian Punch, is in the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame.

Shue said because Ganigan didn't have a regular job or medical insurance except through the state, he didn't qualify for any services. All local nursing homes denied the Medicaid patient a bed since older patients were given priority, and that's why he was taken to Las Vegas, Shue said.

The medical bills have exceeded the family's entire savings.

The family is holding a fundraiser from 4 to 9 p.m. June 8 at Ige's Restaurant in Aiea. Presale tickets are $25 or at the door. Contact Michelle at 381-4000 for advance tickets.