Maasin boxer dies after fight

Another tragedy struck Philippine boxing as the world-rated Alex “The Maasin Bomber” Aroy died a few hours after losing by unanimous decision to Arnel Tadena in a 10-rounder bout on Monday night in Villaba, Leyte.

Fight supervisor Lando Mendoza of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB)-7 said the sad news caught him by surprise as the fallen boxer put up a good fight and did not show any signs he was in serious trouble after the match.

“I really coudn’t believe it happened. Aroy fought well although he was behind on points. When the bout was over, Aroy was in good condition so I was completely shocked when I was informed that Aroy passed away,” said Mendoza.

Aroy’s manager Rex ‘Wakee’ Salud said he was told by Willie Flores, the matchmaker of the Villaba fight card, that Aroy complained he couldn’t urinate after the fight and collapsed an hour later.

Aroy was then rushed to a hospital but due to lack of appropriate medical equipment, they were advised to transfer to a nearby Palompon health center where Aroy reportedly died on the way there.

“It happened so quick. Aroy died while they’re on their way to Palompon hospital. There was no clear sign on the cause of his death,” said Salud, who was obviously devastated by the incident.

As relayed to him by Flores, Salud said Aroy complained of a bum stomach in the morning of the fight day. After being given medication, Aroy recovered and said he was already feeling well.

During the routine medical check-up, Aroy was cleared to fight by ringside physician Zoilon Wilfred del Rosario, who did not found any sign Aroy was physically unfit to take on Tadena.

In fact, Mendoza said it was even Tadena who was almost barred from seeing action in the card because of high blood pressure. After being rested for a while, Tadena passed the second BP test, thus, the fight was on.

“He went through the proper medical procedure before and after the fight. He was cleared to fight by the doctor because he met the needed medical requirements,” said Mendoza.

“It wasn’t a one-sided match and Aroy did not complain of any headache. He was very conscious after the bout so we thought he was okay. What happened was really beyond our control. It’s a risk in boxing we have to take,” said Mendoza.

Still, Mendoza said they will conduct a thorough investigation and file a detailed report on the consequences surrounding Aroy’s death as ordered by GAB Boxing Division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz.

“They should better do that. We can no longer take back the life of Aroy but it should serve as a lesson to other promoters so that such tragic incident won’t happen again to our boxers in the future,” said Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco, a longtime benefactor of Aroy. “Aroy is really a big loss to Maasin boxing. We have high hopes for him in our pursuit to produce a world boxing champion from Maasin. It’s so sad it has to end this way.”

The Aroy-Tadena duel was actually a rematch of their August 14, 2007 showdown that ended in a second round technical draw at the Maasin City Gym.

Aroy compiled a 12-5-2 win-loss-draw record with six knockouts in a shortlived five-year career in boxing. He defeated Indonesian Donny Suratin by eight-round unanimous decision in his pro debut on October 23, 2003 at the Indosiar Studio in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Since then, Aroy racked up eight straight victory before suffering his first defeat by unanimous decision to ALA boy Rollen del Castillo on October 29, 2005 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Aroy is the fourth boxer in recent memory to have died after a boxing match here in the Visayas. Macky Silvano expired after being stopped by Ernie Alesna in round seven during their PBF lightweight title bout on May 29, 1993 in Bogo. Mateo Baring passed away after being decked by Fabio Marfa in round seven on July 24, 1999 at the Labangon Sports Complex, and John Eman Suarez died three days after being knocked out cold in round four by Rocky Fuentes on December 28, 2003 in Danao City.