On May 6th, Filipino boxer Kenneth Egano stepped into the boxing ring for an eight-round bout with Jason Facularin as part of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s Blow by Blow series in the Philippines as reported by Fox News.
Egano, just 22 years old, won the match by decision but collapsed in his corner shortly after the fight ended. He was immediately stretchered out of the ring and taken to Imus Doctors Hospital, where it was discovered that he had suffered a brain hemorrhage. Egano was placed in a medically induced coma but tragically passed away on May 12th.
The news of Egano’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the boxing world and beyond. Pacquiao, a former world champion and the founder of the Blow by Blow series, spoke out about the tragedy, emphasizing the inherent risks of the sport and the need to show respect for boxers who put their lives on the line.
“There is nothing more precious than human life,” Pacquiao said. “Boxing is truly a dangerous sport and the boxers deserve nothing but respect as they put their lives on the line. Other sports you play, but you don’t play boxing.”
In the wake of Egano’s passing, Pacquiao has also pledged to pay for the young boxer’s medical expenses. The Games and Amusements Board, the regulatory body that oversees professional sports in the Philippines, expressed their condolences to Egano’s family and friends and mourned the loss of a talented young athlete.
“The entire agency of Games and Amusements Board mourns the passing of professional boxer Kenneth Egano,” the GBA wrote. “Our condolences to Kenneth’s family, relatives, and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Blow by Blow series also issued a statement expressing their deep sadness at Egano’s death and honoring his memory as one of their most promising young fighters.
“The whole Blow by Blow family is deeply saddened by the news that one of our beloved fighters, Kenneth Egano, has joined our creator [on Wednesday] afternoon,” the statement read. “Kenneth was one of Blow by Blow’s best young pugilists and had the potential to be a future champion.”
Egano’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in combat sports and the importance of prioritizing athlete safety. It is a tragic loss for the boxing community and for those who knew and loved him, and he will be deeply missed.
