On Friday, September 25, news emerged of the death of 26-year-old Mexican boxer Arturo “Lobito” Torres (15-6-3, 6 KOs). He had been hospitalized for six days after collapsing in the ring during a bout against his compatriot, 21-year-old Gilberto “Torito” García (7-3, 6 KOs). The fight took place on Saturday, September 19, at Vicente Guerrero Park in Mexicali, Baja California. Torres lost by knockout in the seventh round when referee Jaime Ortiz stopped the match; immediately afterward, Torres collapsed, received medical attention, and was transported to the Mexicali General Hospital for treatment.
Torres had undergone surgery for a blood clot in his brain and remained in an induced coma for several days while fans and family anxiously awaited updates.
A native of Mexicali, Torres had fought most of his bouts in Mexicali and Sonora since making his professional debut in 2018. He had won two regional FECOMBOX titles—one in the bantamweight division and another in the featherweight category.
Torres’s death has reignited the debate regarding safety standards for professional boxers in Mexico, particularly concerning the availability of ambulances and medical insurance coverage.
At the time, Torres’s father and trainer had publicly appealed for support to cover expenses and needs, as the promotional company had stated that the boxers signed contracts holding them personally responsible for any life-threatening risks arising during or after a fight.
