Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, 18-year-old Mexican boxer, dies of injuries sustained in ring.

Zapata did not answer the bell for the fifth round of the scheduled six-round professional bout, and after she appeared to have a seizure she was stretchered out of the ring and taken to hospital. Zapata took part in the GYM Gala International Boxing event Saturday in Montreal, losing to Marie Pier Houle in the fourth round of a welterweight match.

A left uppercut and right hook from Houle dazed Zapata in the fourth round. She was taken to hospital in critical condition and was later placed in a medically-induced coma, but it was confirmed she had died on Thursday afternoon. "It is with great sadness and torment that we learned, from a representative of her family, that Jeanette Zacarias Zapata passed away this afternoon at 3:45 pm," promoter Yvon Michel said in a statement. "The entire team at Groupe Yvon Michel is extremely distressed by this painful announcement. "We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, friends and especially her husband Jovanni Martinez, who was at her bedside until her last moments."

The statement added Martinez is "devastated and extremely upset" at the loss of his wife. Houle posted on her Facebook page the day after the fight: "Yesterday's events really upset me. Boxing carries a lot of risks and dangers. This is our job, our passion. Never, forever, intention to seriously hurt an opponent is part of my plans. "My most sincere thoughts are with my opponent Jeannette Zacarias Zapata, and her family. I wish with all my heart that she gets well." After learning of Zapata's death, Houle added: "The sad news of the departure of a great athlete like Jeanette Zacarias Zapata leaves me sad and devastated.

Rest in peace, Jeanette.

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