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.
Nos pens\u00e9es accompagnent la famille et les proches de la boxeuse Jeanette Zacarias Zapata. @CoronerQuebec proc\u00e9dera \u00e0 une investigation sur les causes probables et les circonstances ayant men\u00e9 au d\u00e9c\u00e8s de l\u2019athl\u00e8te.— Genevi\u00e8ve Guilbault (@Genevi\u00e8ve Guilbault) 1630665441
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.
