March 13, 2026: a tragic date for the world of boxing and its fans. Just yesterday, Filipino boxer Jordan Atlao passed away. In recent months the young fighter had been preparing for his first international bout, scheduled for May in Japan, and held a professional record of 6–1, with 5 knockouts.
Ten days ago, the young boxer was in Butuan City for a sparring session when he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he arrived in a coma.
His colleague Neel Jacamos, also a professional boxer, shared an update on social media after visiting him in the hospital a few days after the incident:
“Good evening everyone. One of our boxers who represents the Philippines is currently in the hospital. Friends, I would like to ask for your help for my friend Jordan Atlao from Claveria. He is hospitalized due to a brain hemorrhage and is in a coma. The hospital bills are now so high that his family can no longer afford them. They are running out of money. Every help, big or small, is very important.”
Unfortunately, those appeals were in vain: Jordan passed away yesterday, and the news has left the boxing world in shock.
Upon hearing what happened to the Filipino fighter, Italian fans will likely remember the dramatic episode that involved our own Daniele Scardina years ago, when he too ended up in the hospital in critical condition after a sparring session. Fortunately, Daniele, fighting like a lion, managed to survive and is now battling every day to rebuild his life.
Atlao’s premature death inevitably reignites the debate about safety in training and, more broadly, about the risks of professional boxing.