Boxing Deaths: Hugo Santillán Could Still Be Alive If He Obeyed BDB Suspension

Hugo Santillán would have been alive if he honored a suspension handed out by the German Boxing Federation (BDB). In the aftermath of the 23-year-old boxer's recent death, new information sheds light that his handlers might have neglected the injunction.

The young Argentinian boxer fought on short notice after Artem Harutyunyan severely beat him on June 15 in Hamburg, Germany. Five-weeks later he fought Eduardo Abreu for 10-rounds, he collapsed after the fight and then expired due to the injuries he sustained throughout the match.

In a post by World Boxing News, the BDB suspension indicated that Santillán must not fight until July 31 to recover from the drubbing he received from Harutyunyan. Despite the clear warning, his camp slated him for a July 31 bout against the Uruguayan Abreu in his native country.

The fight ended in a draw, but Hugo deteriorated minutes after the contest ended. During the official announcement, he had to be held up by his corner before losing consciousness.

International boxing organizations have also criticized the way he was handled. Oxygen should have been given way before at this point due to his failing condition; help arrived two minutes away from potentially saving his life.

Furthermore, later footage shows that the arena was not prepared to cater to an emergency. Officials of the match might have neglected the appropriate medical apparatus since boxers are rarely severely injured during a fight.

The Fallout from his death could turn into a legal situation, especially that Santillán's corner knew about the suspension. If it had been heeded, the young Argentinian could have recuperated from the damage he acquired five weeks prior.

Before his death, another boxer was taken at a very young age due to similar injuries. Maxim Dadashev expired at the age of 28 after severe blood clotting rendered him in a coma. Fight footage shows that his trainer, Buddy McGirt, tried to end the fight during the break after his fighter received too many blows to the head.

Toward the end of the match, McGirt threw his towel, but it proved too late. Last week was one of the worst moments in the history of boxing.