22-Year-Old Filipino Boxer Dies After Match at Pacquiao-Endorsed Event

Kenneth Egano, 22, a Filipino bantamweight boxer, died on Wednesday after slipping into a coma following a fight. Egano won against Jason Facularin in an eight-round match on Saturday.

The fight was a portion of a Blow by Blow fight card promoted by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in Cavite province.

However, he collapsed in the ring while waiting for the official result and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and was induced into a coma, according to Marca.

The death of the promising boxer was confirmed on Wednesday.

On social media, the Games and Amusements Board expressed their condolences for Egano's passing and hoped that his soul would rest in peace.

Freddie Roach, a Hall-of-Fame boxing coach, expressed his condolences to the Egano family and the Filipino boxing community for their loss. "Rest in peace, Kenneth Egano," he said, per Inquirer.

Manny Pacquiao Vows To Cover Medical Expenses

Earlier this week, Manny Pacquiao had promised to pay for Egano's medical expenses, stating that boxing is a dangerous sport and boxers deserve "nothing but respect" for risking their lives, according to Bleacher Report.

Blow by Blow also released a statement expressing their deep sadness over the loss of one of their "best young pugilists and had the potential to be a future champion," who had a 7-1 record with three knockouts.

Boxing has been deemed a perilous sport by the World Medical Association, as it aims to inflict bodily harm by intentionally targeting the head, making it distinct from other sports. The main medical concern with boxing is the possibility of dementia pugilistica, also known as the "punch-drunk" condition, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or chronic traumatic brain damage.

Additionally, as per the organization, boxing can result in vision and hearing loss and fractures. Extensive research has indicated that boxing poses severe immediate injuries and long-term neurological damage to its participants.