Boxer Santillan, 23, dies five days after being injured in ring
In a tragic week for the sport of boxing, a second fighter has died from injuries suffered in the ring.
Hugo Santillan, a 23-year-old boxer from Argentina, died five days after collapsing following his super lightweight bout against Uruguayan Eduardo Abreu.
The World Boxing Council said that Santillan died from head injuries sustained during the fight which took place in San Nicolas, a city 150 miles north of Buenos Aires.
News of Santillan’s death comes just two days after rising Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev died after suffering a brain injury during a light-welterweight fight in Maryland last Friday. He was 28.
“This is unacceptable, HAUNTING, and sickening to watch,” wrote noted boxer promoter Lou DiBella on Twitter Thursday afternoon. “Truly, I don’t want to board an airplane right now to go to a boxing show.
“This is a terrible week. As a sport/ industry, we have to look in the mirror….I have to look in the mirror…”
Santillan, who had a record of 19 wins, six losses and two draws heading into Saturday’s fight, passed out just as the result — a draw — was set to be announced. He underwent surgery after the fight but never regained consciousness.
“Upon admission to the hospital, he had successive kidney failure and he did not come out of his coma,” Dr. Graciela Olocco, who confirmed Santillan’s death to local media outlets, said per ESPN.
Santillan, who began his pro career in 2015, reportedly raised his arm in victory before passing out.
“This is happening more and more,” tweeted two-time world champ and current boxing analyst Paul Malignaggi. “Safety measures on a worldwide basis including strict medical/drug testing need to be implemented EVERYWHERE.
“This is the most dangerous sport in the world. We need people to care 4 the benefit of the sport and fighters.”