Boxing coach dies after suffering heart attack during wife’s world title fight

Arrua, the husband and coach of Sabrina Perez, was ringside as she put her WBC interim featherweight title on the line against Skye Nicolson in Tijuana, Mexico on Friday night.

The 58-year-old collapsed during the final stages of round 10 with Perez finishing the fight before she was informed.

The card, promoted by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, was broadcast live on DAZN from the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez.

Argentina-born Arrua was rushed to hospital but his death was later confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.

He wrote on social media: ‘It is with deep sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of Argentine coach Diego Arrua, who suffered a devastating heart attack during the Sabrina Pérez fight in Tijuana.

‘The medical services did everything possible and he died at the QDEP general hospital.’

British promoter Hearn was sat nearby Arrua as the tragedy unfolded.

‘You could see he was having severe problems and unfortunately passed away,’ Hearn said.

‘It is a tragic set of events, our thoughts and prayers go out to Sabrina Perez and her trainers, her team and the families, it was heartbreaking to see.

‘First and foremost, respect, best wishes and condolences to the families.’

Australia’s Nicolson picked up the interim belt with a decision victory. Perez was not in the ring as the decision was called out.

While marred by the tragedy, the card continued in Mexico with Angel Fierro securing a split decision win over Brayan Zamarripa in the main event.

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