Fingers pointed after 18yo’s tragic death

The boxing community is searching for answers following the tragic death of 18-year-old Mexican fighter Jeanette Zacarias Zapata.

The boxing community is searching for answers following the tragic death of 18-year-old Mexican fighter Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, and fingers are being pointed at those responsible for scheduling what was ultimately her final bout.

In a Montreal fight against undefeated Marie-Pier Houle last month, Zapata was rocked in the fourth round with an uppercut that left the young fighter dazed as her corner told the referee she’d had enough.

But horrific scenes followed as the teenager appeared to suffer a seizure, convulsing in her corner as she lay on the canvas following the fight.

The stadium’s medical team rushed to her aid before she was stretchered out of the ring and taken to hospital where she was placed in a medically induced coma.

But sadly, Zapata succumbed to her injuries on Thursday.

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UK-based brain injury association Headway released a statement calling for boxing to be banned after the latest death.

“It is impossible to imagine the grief being felt by the husband and family of such a young woman with her entire life ahead of her,” Peter McCabe, chief executive of Headway, said in a statement. “Our thoughts go out to all who loved her.

“This tragedy was preventable. This precious life need not have been cut short.”

Several boxing pundits have suggested Zapata’s mixed record and lack of experience meant she was not prepared enough for a fight of this calibre.

Before taking on Houle, Zapata had suffered three losses in five professional fights, the two most recent of which ended via knockouts.

Boxing coach Marc Ramsay suggested that boxing licenses are awarded too frequently, also arguing the sport needed to implement further training for coaches.

“We have to follow this very closely. It’s a red flag,” Ramsay told La Presse.

Meanwhile, Canadian politician Enrico Ciccone called for better safeguards in professional boxing.

“How sad. Consultations with partners in the boxing community and stakeholders are absolutely essential for better safety in sports. New criteria are being imposed, as is a coroner’s inquest,” he wrote.

Fight promoter Yvon Michel promised there would be complete transparency in response to Zapata’s tragic death.

“The entire team at Groupe Yvon Michel is extremely distressed by this painful announcement,” he wrote in a statement.

“We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, friends and especially her husband Jovanni Martinez who was at her bedside until her last moments.

“Jovanni 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.”

A devastated Houle took to social media to pay tribute: “I extend my deepest condolences to her 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.”

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