Quebec Boxer Marie-Pier Houle Has Released A Statement Following Her Opponent's Death
Quebec boxer Marie-Pier Houle said she is "devastated" following the death of her recent opponent, Mexican boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, who collapsed in the ring after the fourth round of their Saturday match at IGA Stadium in Montreal.
Numerous reports identified Zapata as 18 years old.
"Following the announcement of the terrible news of the death of Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, I am devastated. I offer my deepest condolences to her family and her partner Jovanni Martinez," wrote Houle in a French and Spanish statement that Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) shared with MTL Blog.
"May God enlighten her soul and receive her in his Glory."
Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), the promoter of the boxing match, announced Zapata's death on social media on September 2. She had been in critical condition at Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal Hospital, according to a previous GYM update.
In Houle's statement, she asked the public to respect her desire not to comment further.
Responding to the news, Quebec Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbault tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of boxer Jeanette Zacarias Zapata."
She said the Quebec Coroner's Office is investigating the causes and circumstances of the athlete's death.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
