Heartbreak in Mexico as Sabrina Perez’ coach and husband, Diego Arrua, died from a heart at attack during their fight with Skye Nicolson.
The bout, for the WBC Interim World Featherweight belt, took place at Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez in Tijuana, and saw Nicolson win over the distance against a game Perez.
With 30 seconds to go during round ten, Arrua collapsed at ringside. Perez had finished the fight before she was informed.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman later shared the sad news of his death on social media.
“It is with deep sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of Argentine coach Diego Arua, who suffered a devastating heart attack during the Sabrina Pérez fight in Tijuana. The medical services did everything possible and he died at the QDEP general hospital.”
Promotional company Matchroom sent condolences to Perez.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Sabrina Perez and your loved ones.”
Eddie Hearn was seen at ringside as one of the first to notice Arrua’s situation.
Fans expressed their sympathies for the Argentine’s untimely passing, praising his working relationship with his wife and their championship-winning career together.
Arrua was 58 years old.