Boxing is a dangerous sport and you literally put your life on the line every time you step into the ring.
Oscar Gonzalez was a rising featherweight contender when he fought Jesus Galicia on Saturday night in Mexico City.
Here is what happened during the fight courtesy of ESPN.
It had been a rough fight and Galicia was landing unanswered combinations early in the 10th round and rocking a visibly fading Gonzalez. When Gonzalez tried to clinch Galicia after taking several blows, referee Rafael Saldana broke them apart. As Saldana separated them, Gonzalez began to stagger backwards into the corner post, staying upright only because Saldana caught him.
Saldana appeared to briefly speak to Gonzalez and was ready to restart the fight when Gonzalez, who had steadied himself against the corner post, spit out his mouthpiece and bent over. Saldana then waved off the fight with 1 minute, 55 seconds left in the round and Gonzalez immediately collapsed into Saldana’s arms and then to the canvas.
Ringside medical personnel surrounded Gonzalez within moments. He appeared to have a seizure. He was eventually put into a neck brace, given oxygen and removed from the ring on a stretcher in a matter of minutes.
He was declared brain dead and taken off life support on Monday. He is being flown back to his home where he will be cremated.
Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.