14-year-old boy dies in boxing at town feast

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – A 14-year-old boy died after getting knocked out in a boxing match during a town fiesta in San Isidro town, Davao del Norte province, on Thursday, officials on Friday said.

Junrey Amar died of apparent head injuries after hitting the canvas following the fight in remote Sawata village past 7 p.m., said Mayor Arnel Sitoy.

“We’re saddened by this unfortunate accident,” the mayor said.

He said in a radio interview here that the local government would give financial help to the boy’s family.

The boy collapsed and fell unconscious, prompting officials to quickly stop the boxing match.

Amar was taken to Kapalong District Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Sitoy said he would order an investigation of the case. He said the event was initiated by the village as part of activities for the town’s fiesta celebration.

It was not immediately known if the victim and his opponent were wearing protective headgear during the ill-fated match.

Medical experts worldwide have urged banning boxing among the youth, noting the fatal injuries and risks caused by this contact sport.

The most common injury among young boxers is fracture, according to a study released by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2011.

The study also found that young boxers, like professional boxers, are likely to develop concussions or head injuries, which could develop into life-threatening conditions like brain trauma.

Repetitive blows to the head may place boxers under 18 years of age at risk of neurological impairment and psychological problems, said Dr. Gary Smith, senior author of the study.

Last December, Jonas Garcia, a fourth-year high school student from Bulacan province, died after falling ill during the second round of a boxing bout at the   Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association meet in Zambales province.

This prompted Education Secretary Armin Luistro to ban boxing in the elementary division of the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa.