- Trainer has a heart attack during a fight
- Skye Nicolson won the first major belt
- Aussie heartbroken by tragic event
Australian boxing champion Skye Nicolson scored a huge victory over Sabrina Perez on Saturday night, 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 he was unfortunately 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 great sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of Argentine coach Diego Arua, who suffered a devastating heart attack during Sabrina Pérez’s 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 left heartbroken over the tragic incident during her title fight
“The medical services did everything possible and he died at QDEP General Hospital.”
Perez ultimately lost the fight in a unanimous points decision, but was not in the ring when the result was announced.
A shattered Nicolson took to social media after the fight to send 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 is going through.”
Nicolson’s manager Paui Ready also wrote on social media on Instagram: ‘The victory is overshadowed by the tragic death of Team Perez coach Diego (Arrua) during the fight.
“Our wishes and prayers with them and their families.”
Nicolson said she ‘left Tijuana with a heavy heart’ after the win
The Australian’s team also sent their wishes and prayers to Perez’s family
The win is a huge milestone for Nicolson’s professional career
Matchroom Boxing also offered their “thoughts and condolences” to Perez.
“RIP Diego,” they wrote on X. “Our thoughts and condolences are with Sabrina Perez and your loved ones.”
The fight was broadcast on DAZN and was part of the Matchroom Boxing Show at Tijuana’s Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez.
Nicolson, who is undefeated as a professional, is now looking forward to a showdown with the great Amanda Serrano.