Filipino boxer Kenneth Egano has died at 22 years old after collapsing in the ring following a fight last week.
Egano, a bantamweight, fought eight rounds with Jason Facularin on “Blow by Blow,” a weekly boxing show run by eight-time world champion Manny Pacquaio.
Egano won the fight, but collapsed in the ring before the winner was announced, according to The Sun.
The bantamweight suffered a brain hemorrhage during his clash with Jason Facularin last week.
There was serious concern for Egano after the fight. HEPE TVThe boxer suffered a brain hemorrhage and went into a coma.
Pacquaio paid the medical bills for Egano while he was hospitalized, The Inquirer reported, and his promotion paid for the flights for Egano’s parents to go see their son.
Kenneth Egano Facebook“There is nothing more precious than human life,” Pacquaio said.
“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.”
Egano had gotten viciously knocked down by Facularin, but got back up to ultimately win the fight by judges’ decision.
Egano’s death was announced on Wednesday by the Filipino Games and Amusements Board.
Egano’s Instagram profile photo with Malungon Mayor Tessa Constantino. Instagram
Kenneth Egano Facebook“The entire agency of Games and Amusements Board (GAB) mourns the passing of professional boxer Kenneth Egano,” the body said in a statement.
“Our condolences to Kenneth’s family, relatives and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Facularin, Egano’s opponent, paid tribute to the late boxer.
“I didn’t expect that this will happen when we did our best,” Facularin wrote on social media, according to The Sun.
“Why did it happen to us? “Sorry that it happened. I hope you’re in a good place.”
