Jeanette Zacarias Zapata passes away from complications after knockout in August
Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, the young boxer who was in critical care after a knockout suffered in August has tragically passed away. In round four, Zapata took a strong uppercut and hook that sent her to the floor that ended the bout.
Jeanette Zacarias Zapata was only 18 and had compiled a record of 2-4. She debuted with a win in 2018. Her passing has sparked much debate in the boxing community about deaths sustained in the sport in recent years.
Jeanette Zacarias Zapata and boxing’s recent death tolls
The passing of Jeanette Zacarias Zapata isn’t new to boxing, but in recent years, has been getting more attention. While it is been promoters and sanctioning bodies’ responsibility to protect the athletes.
Zapata isn’t the first passing in boxing this year. In April, Rashed Al-Swaisat passed away in Estonia. Most notably in recent years, Patrick Day passed away in 2019 after three knockdowns. On the third, his head hit the mat hard. After being transported to the hospital he suffered seizures. Four days later he passed away and the doctors said the cause of death was traumatic brain injury.
Now, many are calling for something, anything, to make boxing and other combat sports safer. While records of boxing deaths go back to the 18th century, several things have already been done to help provide a safer event for the athletes. Most notably, championship bouts were backed down from 15 rounds to 12 rounds.
With increasing exposure and attention on deaths in boxing, look for more rule changes and more stringent protocols in place to prevent these accidents in the future. Be it round limits or changes to training, hydration and equipment, boxing has to come together to change and make the sport safer for its athletes that give so much for our entertainment.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jeanette Zacarias Zapata and her family in this trying time.
