Police on the Gold Coast have upgraded the charge against a 27-year-old Sydney man over a one-punch attack that led to the death of a Brazilian national in Surfers Paradise.

Key points: After Ivan Susin's death, police upgraded the charge against Ricky Lefoe

After Ivan Susin's death, police upgraded the charge against Ricky Lefoe Police opposed bail on the new charge, arguing Mr Lefoe now faced a possible life sentence

Police opposed bail on the new charge, arguing Mr Lefoe now faced a possible life sentence Mr Lefoe's lawyer says his client was trying to break up the fight and had a punch thrown at him

Ricky Lefoe and an associate became involved in an altercation with two men who were sitting on a bench in Orchid Avenue on October 1.

Police said Ivan Susin, 29, intervened and was punched, causing him to lose consciousness, fall backwards and strike his head on the ground.

Mr Susin was treated at the scene and taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.

He died in hospital 10 days later, on October 11.

Mr Lefoe was charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) and appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court a short time after the assault.

He was granted bail on strict conditions, including that he report daily to New South Wales police.

On Wednesday, he appeared in the same Southport court, where the charge was upgraded to unlawful striking causing death.

CCTV footage of the incident was played to the court and showed Mr Lefoe and Mr Susin were not initially involved in the altercation.

The court heard Ivan Susin threw a punch and was then struck once in the head. ( Instagram: Joesane Susin )

Mr Susin appears to throw one punch at Mr Lefoe, who then allegedly strikes him once in the head.

The Brazilian can then be seen falling backwards onto the footpath and not moving.

Mr Lefoe's lawyer, Campbell MacCallum, told the court his client was trying to break up the fight in which his associate was involved.

"The evidence is clear in my submission after viewing of the footage," he said.

Mr MacCallum said Mr Susin "swung a wild punch at my client" and he responded with a single punch.

"It is very unfortunate that there has been a passing of a young man," Mr MacCallum said.

Bail opposed on upgraded charge

Mr Lefoe had previously been granted bail, but Queensland police opposed bail on the upgraded charge, arguing Mr Lefoe had a criminal history in New South Wales and now faced a possible life sentence.

Mr MacCallum argued his client "really isn't a risk of failing to appear".

Magistrate Pamela Dowse ruled Mr Lefoe could remain free under his original bail conditions.

"It is a very serious charge there is no doubt about that," Ms Dowse said.

"I can see no reason to intervene with the bail that has already been granted."

Outside court, Mr MacCallum said his client was satisfied with the proceedings.

"Look he's accepted that the charge has been upgraded," he said.

"He will be defending the charges and he's happy with the fair bail hearing that we've received today."

Mr Lefoe is due to appear in court again on December 10.