Tragedy has struck the boxing world after a competitor's injuries in the ring turned fatal.
According to event organizer Groupe Yvon Michel, Jeanette Zacarias Zapata passed away on Thursday, Sept. 2 from injuries sustained in a boxing match with Canada's Marie-Pier Houle. She was 18 years old.
"It is with great sadness and torment that we have learned, from a representative of her family, that Jeannette Zacarias Zapata passed away this afternoon at 3:45 p.m.," his statement read on social media. "The entire team at Groupe Yvon Michel team is extremely distressed by this painful announcement. We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to her family, loved ones and especially her husband Jovanni Martinez who was at her bedside until her last moments."
According to Groupe, Jovanni was "devastated and extremely upset" about his wife's unexpected passing, but didn't want to comment further.
During the matchup held on Aug. 28 as part of the GYM Gala International Boxing event, Jeannette reportedly suffered a series of power punches in the corner of the ring. A final right hook caused the athlete's mouthguard to fly out and left her unable to return to her corner.
After being assessed by her trainer, Jeanette received on-site medical attention and was later rushed to a hospital on a stretcher.
According to the CBC, Jeannette's competitor posted a private post on social media directed at her family.
"Never, ever, is the intention of seriously injuring an opponent in my plans," Marie-Pier reportedly wrote. "My sincere thoughts go to my opponent, Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, as well as to her family."
Soon after Jeanette's passing was confirmed, the boxing community expressed their condolences online.
"RIP to boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata who has sadly passed away following her fight in Montreal last week," MTK Boxing wrote on Twitter. "Our thoughts are with her family and friends."