Female boxer dies five days after fight in Montreal

A female Mexican boxer died on Thursday, five days after being injured in a Montreal ring.

Groupe Yvon Michel, the organiser of the boxing event, said that 18-year-old Jeanette Zapata died from injuries sustained in a bout with Marie-Pier Houle on Saturday night 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 immobilised on a stretcher before being rushed to a hospital by ambulance.

Yvon Michel, president of Groupe Yvon Michel, said in a briefing on 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”.

After learning of Zapata's death, Houle said: "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."

The WBC also issued a statement: "The president of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaimán and the entire boxing family affiliated with the WBC, as well as all boxing, mourns this irreparable loss.

"We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeanette. May she rest in peace."