18yo boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata dead after brutal uppercut

Tributes are flowing for an 18-year-old boxer who died from injuries sustained in the ring just days after horror scenes rocked the sport.

18-year-old Mexican boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata has died five days after the boxing world was rocked by horror scenes in Canada.

In a Montreal fight against Marie-Pier Houle last Saturday, the 2-4 Zapata was rocked in the fourth round with an uppercut from her undefeated opponent left the young fighter dazed as her corner told the referee she’d had enough.

But horrific scenes followed as Zapata appeared to suffer a seizure, convulsing in her corner as she lay on the canvas following the fight.

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Her trainer and partner Jovanni Martinez and the medical team at the stadium rushed to her aid and she was stretchered out of the ring and taken to hospital where she was placed in a medically induced coma.

The concern was clear straight away.

But sadly, the 18-year-old succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, a statement from the promoter said.

“It is with great sadness and torment that we learned, from a representative of her family, that Jeanette Zacarias Zapata passed away this afternoon at 3:45pm. The entire team at Groupe Yvon Michel is extremely distressed by this painful announcement,” Michel shared on Twitter.

“We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, friends and especially her husband, Jovianni Martinez, who was at her bedside until her last moments.

“Jovianni is devastated and extremely upset.

“Under the circumstances, he does not wish to comment, therefore we ask that you respect his decision and allow the family to have their privacy.

“In this painful period, you will understand Groupe Yvon Michel does not intend to comment further.”

The final punch left Zapata dazed but no one could have imagined the tragedy to follow.

A screenshot from the footage of the fight.

Following the news of Zapata’s death, tributes have flooded in for the young welterweight as the boxing world comes to terms with the shocking loss.

A devastated Houle took to social media to pay tribute.

“I extend my deepest condolences to her family and spouse Jovanni Martinez,” the message read.

“Thank you for respecting my desire not to comment more.

“The sad news of the departure of a great athlete like Jeanette Zacarias Zapata leaves me sad and devastated.

“I offer my sincere and deep condolences to her family and husband Jovanni Martinez.

“May God enlighten your soul and receive it in his glory.”

Adonis Stevenson, the former WBC light heavyweight champion who had his career ended in a terrifying scenes against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2018 when he was placed in an induced coma, took to social media to share his condolences.

I am sad to learn the death of Jeannette Zacarias Zapata of her injuries from her last fight. My condoleances to the family @wbcmoro@[e-mail]/v6fOOy8KfO

— Adonis Stevenson (@AdonisSuperman) September 3, 2021

Shockingly sad news to hear of the passing of
Jeanette Zacarias Zapata RIP, died at the tender age of 18 following a boxing match. Deepest sympathies to her family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/CbUGIjhAZE

— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) September 3, 2021

What a horrible tragedy. My condolences to Jeanette Zacarias Zapata’s family. #boxing#JeanetteZacarias. https://t.co/sq8yaL09TO

— Jeremy Herriges (@ABoxingWriter) September 3, 2021

RIP to boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata who has sadly passed away following her fight in Montreal last week.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/oKB62nPZKV

— MTK Global Boxing (@MTKGlobal) September 3, 2021

The World Boxing Council also paid tribute to Zapata.

“The president of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaimán and the entire boxing family affiliated with the WBC, as well as all boxing, mourns this irreparable loss.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeanette. May she rest in peace.”

Boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata died after boxing injuries. Photo: Twitter

The death is reportedly being investigated by the coroner in Quebec.

But UK-based brain injury association Headway released a statement calling for boxing to be banned after the latest death.

“It is impossible to imagine the grief being felt by the husband and family of such a young woman with her entire life ahead of her,” Peter McCabe, chief executive of Headway, said in a statement. “Our thoughts go out to all who loved her.

“This tragedy was preventable. This precious life need not have been cut short.”

Originally published as 18yo boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata dead after brutal uppercut