Paul Griffin, 55, died of his injuries on Friday after being rushed to hospital three days earlier following an alleged assault while celebrating the Melbourne Cup at the Ettamogah Pub in Sydney's northwest.
Arriving officers were told a man fled the scene after delivering the punch about 8pm on Tuesday, police said
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated Mr Griffin before he was taken to Westmead Hospital with critical injuries.
A day after the alleged attack, Huo Kira, 43, was arrested at a property in western Sydney and charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, a charge upgraded to assault occasioning death on Friday.
The crime carries a maximum jail term of 20 years.
The two men did not know each other prior to the incident, police said.
Police say witnesses told officers at the scene that a man had fled after the alleged attack. (Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOS)
Mr Griffin's daughter Dana described him as "not just our father but our best mate".
"Dad, you have given our family the most incredible life," she said in an Instagram post on Friday.
"We love you beyond words and you will be sorely missed."
Local rugby league club the Wentworthville Magpies also paid tribute to Mr Griffin as "a great mate, clubman, rugby league supporter and family man".
"His loss, no doubt, will be immeasurable on all fronts," the club wrote on Facebook.
"Our respect and admiration for Griffo went well beyond rugby league - and the friendships and memories shared will be cherished forever."
Alexandra Julie described her uncle as "a leader and the life of the party".
"Only a few words to describe who my wonderful uncle Paul is," she said in a Facebook post.
"He had a smile that would light up a room and a laugh that was infectious to the point of tears.
"He was taken from the world too soon, but will never be forgotten and will live on forever."
Kira was also charged with cultivating a prohibited plant after police allegedly found 36 cannabis plants and a hydroponic set-up during a search.
He appeared at Blacktown Local Court on Thursday and was refused bail to return to court on November 21.
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