A female Mexican boxer has died five days after being injured in a Montreal ring.
Groupe Yvon Michel, the organiser of the boxing event, said that 18-year-old Jeanette Zacarias Zapata died from injuries sustained in a bout with Marie-Pier Houle last weekend at IGA stadium.
Zapata suffered a series of power punches in the corner of the ring and, after a solid uppercut, the Mexican seemed stunned near the end of the fourth round. A final right hook caused Zapata’s mouthguard to fly out and left her unable to return to her corner after the bell rang.
Zapata, who appeared to convulse while still standing, was joined by her partner and trainer Jovanni Martinez, who quickly laid her down in the ring. The on-site medical team rushed to her side and she was immobilized on a stretcher before being rushed to a hospital by ambulance.
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Yvon Michel, president of Groupe Yvon Michel, said in a briefing Sunday that Zapata was placed in a medically induced coma to sedate her and relax her body and brain, adding that the following two to five days would be “critical.”
“It is with great sadness and torment that we learned, from a representative of her family, that Jeanette Zacarias Zapata passed away this afternoon at 3:45pm. The entire team at Groupe Yvon Michel is extremely distressed by this painful announcement,” Michel shared on Twitter.
“We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, friends and especially her husband, Jovianni Martinez, who was at her bedside until her last moments.
“Jovianni is devastated and extremely upset.
“Under the circumstances, he does not wish to comment, therefore we ask that you respect his decision and allow the family to have their privacy.
“In this painful period, you will understand Groupe Yvon Michel does not intend to comment further.”
A devastated Houle took to social media to pay tribute.
“I extend my deepest condolences to her family and spouse Jovanni Martinez,” the message read.
“Thank you for respecting my desire not to comment more.
“The sad news of the departure of a great athlete like Jeanette Zacarias Zapata leaves me sad and devastated.
“I offer my sincere and deep condolences to her family and husband Jovanni Martinez.
“May God enlighten your soul and receive it in his glory.”
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