Young bantamweight dies after bout
An undefeated Philippine boxer has died from head injuries he suffered during a fight.
Flyweight Karlo Maquinto, 21, died in hospital on Friday, Dr Chester Tan, a surgeon at Manila's Far Eastern University Hospital, said.
Manquito, in only his ninth bout as a professional, was taken to hospital last Saturday after rallying from two early knockdowns to salvage a majority draw against another Filipino, Mark Joseph Costa.
Maquinto, who had a record of 8-0-1, with six knockouts, collapsed after the four-round bout in northern Manila.
Rhoby Orata, another member of the hospital staff, said Maquinto was diagnosed with brain swelling and a blood clot was detected at the right side of his brain.
"From the start Karlo's prognosis was not good," Orata added.
Boxing is an extremely popular sport in the Philippines, which has two reigning world champions, welterweight Manny Pacquiao and bantamweight Nonito Donaire.
Pacquiao, who is also a member of the Philippine parliament, is regarded as one of the best boxers in recent years, amassing a 54-3 record with two drawn bouts. He has won a record eight “world” titles in as many weight divisions.