Boxer Kenneth Egano has died after collapsing in the ring following a fight Saturday at Imus Sports Gymnasium in Imus, Philippines, according to the Games and Amusements Board. He was 22.
Egano, from General Santos City, survived a knockdown to defeat Jason Facularin by a unanimous decision in an eight-round bantamweight bout.
However, he collapsed in his corner before the winner was announced and was taken from the ring on a stretcher. He reportedly was rushed to Imus Doctors Hospital, where he was placed in a coma because of a brain hemorrhage.
The card on which Egano fought was part of Manny Pacquiao’s TV series “Blow by Blow,” which showcases boxing in The Philippines.
Pacquiao said before Egano’s death that he would pay for his medical expenses.
“There is nothing more precious than human life,’ Pacquiao while Egano was comatose. “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 (7-1, 3 KOs) was taking part in only his eighth professional fight.