The Brazilian boxing world mourns the passing of José Adílson Rodrigues Dos Santos, better known as “Maguila,” who died at 66 in São Paulo on October 24, 2024. After suffering from multiple health complications, “Maguila” leaves behind a legacy that deeply marked the history of boxing in Brazil.
Over 17 years, “Maguila” maintained a remarkable professional career, with 85 fights, 77 wins, 68 of which were by knockout. This exceptional record allowed him to stand out as the Brazilian and South American heavyweight champion.
Additionally, “Maguila” was the first and only Brazilian to compete for a world title in this division, becoming a sports icon in his country. He also had memorable fights against names like Evander Holyfield and George Foreman.
His passing was confirmed by his wife, Irani Pinheiro, in an interview with the “Record” channel.
José Adílson Rodrigues was born on June 12, 1958, in Aracaju, in a low-income family. From a young age, “Maguila” was inspired by boxing greats like Muhammad Ali and Éder Jofre, watching their fights on a neighbor’s television. At 14, he moved to São Paulo, where he survived by working in construction and faced serious financial difficulties.
His professional career began in 1979, debuting two years later in the “Forge of Champions” tournament, the most important boxing event in Brazil. In 1983, “Maguila” won his first national title by defeating Waldemar Paulino at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in São Paulo, establishing himself as Brazil’s top heavyweight. A year later, in 1984, he won the South American title by defeating Argentine Juan Antonio Figueroa in the first round, a title he held for a decade.
In 1985, “Maguila” suffered his first defeat against Argentine Daniel Falconi, who knocked him out in São Paulo. However, the following year, “Maguila” avenged his defeat and retired Falconi from boxing. In 1986, he won the WBC Americas title, and in 1996, the WBA and IBF Latin American titles. Although he did not win one of the major world titles, Maguila became the Brazilian heavyweight champion under the WBF in 1995 by defeating Johnny Nelson in Osasco.
In 2000, after a final fight against Daniel Frank, “Maguila” retired from boxing. Though away from the ring, the impact of his career endured in Brazilian sports and popular culture.
In 2013, “Maguila” was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), also known as punch-drunk syndrome, a neurodegenerative disease that affects many former boxers. This diagnosis was preceded by symptoms of memory loss and confusion, which intensified over time. As the disease progressed, “Maguila” experienced episodes of aggression, prompting his wife to seek professional help.
In 2018, with his family’s consent, “Maguila” decided to donate his brain to scientific research after his death. This decision will allow researchers at the University of São Paulo to study the impact of repeated trauma on the brain and develop preventive measures for athletes in contact sports.
In recent years, “Maguila” lived at the Anjos de Deus Therapeutic Center in Itu, São Paulo, where he received specialized care and participated in physical therapy sessions.
Morre um dos maiores boxeadores da história do Brasil! Aos 66 anos, José Adilson Rodrigues dos Santos, o Maguila, nos deixou nesta quinta-feira (24). O brasileiro foi campeão mundial de boxe entre os pesos-pesados e chegou a enfrentar nomes como Evander Holyfield e George… pic.twitter.com/GQEcWnVTF3
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) October 24, 2024
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