A teenage boxer has passed away at the age of 18 just days after being knocked out in the ring.
Mexican welterweight Jeanette Zacarias Zapata passed away on Thursday afternoon following her fight with Québec boxer Marie Pier Houle at the GVM Gala International in Montreal on Saturday, BBC Sport reports.
Zapata was knocked to the mat during the fourth round of the bout.
Reports say that the teenager then appeared to have a seizure, before she was transported to a nearby hospital.
The news was also confirmed by the Boxing News magazine, which wrote on Twitter: "We are deeply saddened to learn of Mexican welterweight Jeanette Zacarias Zapata's death. The 18-year-old died five days after suffering a stoppage defeat to Marie Pier Houle at the GVM Gala International in Montreal. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Rest in peace."
Yvon Michel - the promoter behind the fight - released a statement on Thursday announcing the tragic news, which read in part: "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".
Following the news of Zapata's death, her opponent, Houle, shared the following statement to social media (translated):
"Following the announcement of the terrible news of the death of Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, I am devastated.
"I extend my deepest condolences to his family and spouse Jovanni Martinez.
"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."
Following their fight, Houle also shared her best wishes to her opponent, and opened up about the dangers involved in the sport (translated):
"Yesterday's events really upset me.
"Boxing carries a lot of risks and dangers. This is our job, our passion. Never, forever, intention to seriously hurt an opponent is part of my plans.
"My most sincere thoughts are with my opponent Jeannette Zacarias Zapata, and her family. I wish with all my heart that she gets well.
"I offer my thoughts and prayers to my opponent Jeannette Zacarias Zapata and all her family."
Our thoughts are with Zapata's family, friends, and fans at this time.
.jpg_LApkh6?tr=h-184)
