A Filipino boxer named Kenneth Egano has sadly passed away days after collapsing in the ring following a fight.
On May 6, the 22-year-old bantamweight had a match against Jason Facularin in an eight-round contest. The event was organized and promoted by Manny Pacquiao's company.
The boxer survived a knockdown during the bout - which was held at Imus Sports Gymnasium - and was later declared the winner through a split decision to take his record to 7-1, as reported by The Mirror.
A video of the incident showed that the match took a sudden turn after Egano appeared to collapse on the canvas before the scores from the judges could be read out.
The outlet stated that the young man was immediately rushed to the hospital and placed in a coma after being diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage. Daily Mail also reported that Pacquiao, 44, immediately pledged to cover his medical bills.
However, Egano's tragic death was announced just four days later on Wednesday (May 10) by the Philippines' Games and Amusements Board.
"The entire agency of Games and Amusements Board (GAB) mourns the passing of professional boxer Kenneth Egano," they wrote on Facebook. "Our condolences to Kenneth's family, relatives, and friends. May his soul rest in peace."
The politician and former professional boxer - whose full name is Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. CLH - also paid tribute to the young man, and touched upon the risks of the sport.
"There is nothing more precious than human life," he said, as cited by Filipino news outlet The Inquirer. "Boxing is truly a dangerous sport and the boxers deserve nothing but respect as they put their lives on the line. Other sports you play, but you don’t play boxing."
In addition to this, Egano's opponent, Facularin, also released a heartbreaking statement that read: "I didn’t expect that this will happen when we did our best. Why did it happen to us? Sorry that it happened. I hope you’re in a good place."
Furthermore, The World Boxing Association shared a message on its website, sending its condolences to the athlete's family and friends.
"Egano, a 22-year-old prospect, fought last May 6 in Imus City and won by decision over Jason Facularin. However, he collapsed in his corner as the decision was being announced and was transported to a local hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma," they began.
"The uncertainty of the last few days ended with the terrible news of his death. Manny Pacquiao and his entire team were taking care of the medical expenses and everything related to the health of Egano, who was a good bantamweight fighter."
"The WBA sends its condolences to Egano’s family and all the people around him, as well as the Filipino boxing in general who have experienced this very sad moment. May you rest in peace, Kenneth," they concluded.
According to TMZ, the boxer began his professional boxing in 2019. At the time of his death, he was on a five-fight winning streak.
Our thoughts are with Egano's family and friends at this time.
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