'My heart aches': Boxing rocked by teen's death after horror injury
The boxing world has been left shocked after 18-year-old Jeanette Zacarias Zapata died after she was rushed to the ICU for injuries sustained in her recent fight.
Viewers were left stunned in Montreal last week after Marie-Pier Houle delivered a number of powerful punches to Zapata in the corner of the ring and, after a solid uppercut, left the Mexican stunned.
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A final right hook caused Zapata’s mouthguard to fly out and left her unable to return to her corner after the bell rang.
But in horror scenes after the bout, Zapata collapsed as she appeared to suffer a seizure.
Shockingly sad news to hear of the passing of
Jeanette Zacarias Zapata RIP, died at the tender age of 18 following a boxing match. Deepest sympathies to her family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/CbUGIjhAZE— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) September 3, 2021
The medical team, her trainer and team rushed to help Zapata before she was stretchered out and rushed to hospital.
Zapata was placed in an induced coma, but after five days, the 18-year-old tragically died.
“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," a statement read.
"The entire team at Groupe Yvon Michel is extremely distressed by this painful announcement.
“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."
Boxing world rocked after Zapata death
Many fans took to social media to send well wishes to the family of Zapata.
Some also questioned whether new safety rules needed to be introduced for young boxers.
Tragic death of Jeanette Zapata raises serious questions about boxing. At 18, she'd been a pro since start of 2018. No fight for three years after a KO. Then KOd again in May before tragic fight last weekend. Up against a fighter with much superior record. How was it sanctioned?
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) September 3, 2021
My heart is absolutely breaking for Jeanette Zapata and her family....I am in tears...I don't know what to say.
— Zack Adams (@ImZackAdams) September 3, 2021
So, so sad to hear of the passing of Jeanette Zacarias Zapata died so young at the age of 18 following a boxing match. Sincere sympathies to her family #RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/jzNwFVKuFV
— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) September 3, 2021
It has now been confirmed by the promoter of Saturday’s event. Jeanette Zacarias Zapata died at 3:45 this afternoon at Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal Hospital. She was just 18 years old. 😥 pic.twitter.com/Pi6TijCf0t
— Boxing Archive (@MartinAchard) September 3, 2021
Terrible news.
Jeanette Zacarías Zapata has died. She was hospitalized following a #boxing match in Montreal.
My heart aches for her family and friends.— MacIntosh Ross (@punchingprof) September 3, 2021
Man....Just knowing that a young boxer like Jeanette Zacarias Zapata died in the ring is just so tragic and sad. And what's so devasting about this, is that she was only 18. #boxing #RestInPeace #womenboxing pic.twitter.com/KxP98jGWVU
— MrBrawler🔞 (@MrBrawler13) September 3, 2021
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