Australian boxing star Skye Nicolson unanimously won her fight against Sabrina Perez but the victory was overshadowed by the death of her opponent’s husband Diego Arrua.
Arrua is also his wife’s trainer and he suffered a heart attack during the fight between the ninth and tenth rounds .
Arrua, 58, collapsed in the corner of the ring at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez in Tijuana, Mexico.
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He received immediate medical attention and was rushed to hospital but about two hours later he was pronounced dead.
Perez, 36, understandably left the ring immediately after the fight, leaving Nicholson on her own as she accepted an unanimous (99-91, 98-92, 97-93) victory in the WBC’s interim featherweight title.
“It is with deep sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of Argentine coach Diego,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman revealed on social media later on Friday night.
“(He) suffered a devastating heart attack during the Sabrina Perez fight in Tijuana.
“The medical services did everything possible and he died at the QDEP general hospital.”
Nicolson’s manager Paui Ready said on Instagram: “Victory overshadowed by tragic passing (of) Team Perez coach Diego (Arrua) during the fight.
“Our wishes and prayers with them and their family.”
Nicolson (8-0, 0KOs) is undefeated in her eight fights but her thoughts were only for Perez after their bout.
Matchroom said on X: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Sabrina Perez and your loved ones.”
Boxing fans also reacted on social media, sending their condolences.
“That’s so sad,” one fan said, while another said, “Awful news”.
