The trainer suffers a heart attack during the fight
Skye Nicolson won the first major belt
Australian is heartbroken over tragic event
Australian world boxing champion Skye Nicolson scored a huge victory over Sabrina Perez on Saturday evening, but it was overshadowed by the shocking death of her opponent’s trainer and husband, Diego Arrua.
Arrua was ringside for his partner’s interim WBC featherweight title fight before suffering a fatal heart attack in Perez’s corner.
His collapse occurred between the ninth and tenth rounds of the fight and unfortunately he was unable to recover.
The tragic news was confirmed by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman on social media, announcing that Arrua had passed away in Tijuana.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the sudden death of Argentine coach Diego Arua, who suffered a devastating heart attack during the Sabrina Pérez fight in Tijuana,” Sulaiman wrote.
The 58-year-old collapsed during the ninth and 10th rounds of Perez’s defeat on Friday
Skye Nicolson was heartbroken over the tragic incident during her title fight
“The medical services did everything possible and he died at the QDEP General Hospital.”
Perez ultimately lost the fight via a unanimous points decision, but was not in the ring when the result was announced.
A devastated Nicolson took to social media after the fight to express her condolences.
“Today I leave Tijuana with a heavy heart,” she wrote on X.
“All my thoughts and prayers are with Sabrina Pérez and her family during this incredibly painful and terrible time.
“My heart is broken for this warrior and I can’t even imagine what she’s going through.”
Nicolson’s manager Paui Ready also took to social media, writing on Instagram: “The victory is overshadowed by the tragic death of Team Perez coach Diego (Arrua) during the fight.”
“Our wishes and prayers are with them and their family.”
Today I leave Tijuana with a heavy heart. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sabrina Pérez and her family during this incredibly painful and terrible time. My heart is broken for this warrior and I can’t even imagine what she is going through. pic.twitter.com/VqV2hMkM90
— Skye Nicolson (@skyebnic) September 16, 2023
Nicolson said she would be leaving Tijuana “with a heavy heart” after the win.
The Australian’s team also sent their wishes and prayers to Perez’s family
The victory is a huge milestone for Nicolson’s professional career
Matchroom Boxing also expressed its “thoughts and condolences” to Perez.
“RIP Diego,” they wrote on X. “Our thoughts and condolences are with Sabrina Perez and her loved ones.”
The fight was broadcast on DAZN and was part of the Matchroom Boxing Show at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez in Tijuana.
Nicolson, who is undefeated as a professional, will now await a showdown with the great Amanda Serrano.
