DepEd boxing events halted after athlete declared ‘brain dead’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education has suspended all boxing matches at an athletic meet in Central Luzon after one of its competitors was declared “brain dead” following a bout, a report from ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol said.

Jonas Joshua Garcia, 16, of San Miguel, Bulacan was competing at the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association meet when he complained of dizziness during the second round of his match with a boxer from Bataan, the report said.

Gracia was rushed to the Zambales provincial hospital where he is being treated, the report said.

The Bulacan team, of which Garcia is a member, pulled out all 10 of its amateur boxers from the tournament after the incident.

The team has recommended to the DepEd superintendent in Central Luzon to abolish all combat sports in future athletic events of the department.