The world of boxing is once again in mourning. Mexican boxer Jeanette Zacarías, 18, died around 4 p.m. (local time) this Thursday at Sacré-Cœur hospital in Montreal. Zacarías had been hospitalized since Saturday evening, after referee Albert Padulo stopped the fight against Canadian Marie-Pier Houle at the end of the fourth episode. The Aguascalientes-born boxer suffered convulsions seconds later and was transferred to Quebec City hospital, where she spent five days in an induced coma.

Yvon Michel, promoter of the boxing evening in which Jeanette Zacarías participated, reported the death Thursday evening via social networks. Michel stressed that a representative of Zacarías' family had conveyed the tragic news to him. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, friends and, in particular, to his companion Jovanny Martínez, who was by his side until his last moments,” the statement said. Martínez was also Zacarías' coach.

On August 29, the day after the athlete's hospitalization, Yvon Michel warned that Zacarías' state of health was “critical but stable” and stressed that the following days would be decisive. Marie-Pier Houle and other members of the boxing community expressed their concern for the Mexican and their wishes for a recovery. “Boxing has its risks and dangers. This is our work, our passion. The intention to seriously injure my opponent is never part of my plans,” Houle wrote.

The fight in Montreal was Jeanette Zacarías' first engagement outside of Mexico. During her previous fight, on May 15, she lost by technical knockout against Cynthia Lozano. Different voices criticized the fact that Zacarías fought just over three months after this accelerated defeat. This week, a video of that encounter circulated in Canada, increasing accusations, as Zacarías offered little resistance to his opponent before the referee stopped the fight. A scene very similar to what happened in the Canadian city. Last Sunday, the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission announced it would investigate the fight. The body also noted that the Mexican boxer had passed all required medical examinations before her appointment in the ring.

Jordanian Rashed Al-Swaisat died on April 16, after being hospitalized for 10 days in a hospital in Poland due to blows he received during a World Junior Championship fight. Al-Swaisat was 19 years old. Jeanette Zacarías, 18, became the most recent case on this fateful list.

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