Boxer dies after collapsing in sparring session

FILE: The 20-year-old Claro (1W-4L-0D) went down during a sparring session in Mandaluyong last Friday late afternoon. (Photo: Kristin Wall/Flickr)

DAVAO CITY — Filipino professional boxer Jeffrey Claro, who collapsed during a sparring session in Mandaluyong last Friday afternoon, passed away Sunday morning at the Ospital ng Maynila.

“The Games and Amusements Board sends its condolence to the family. Our deepest sympathy,” said Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra, who personally gave financial help to Claro’s father at the hospital. The amount of PHP51,300 was the initiative of GAB and the Singwancha Foundation of Thailand boxing patron Naris Singwancha.

The 20-year-old Claro (1W-4L-0D) went down during a sparring session in Mandaluyong last Friday late afternoon. Claro, a southpaw, had tasted his first victory after four straight losses in his previous outing last May 26 via a unanimous decision against Oscar Lim at the Café Lupe in Barangay Mambugan, Antipolo City.

Claro was part of the group found to have a fake CT scan and was asked to submit a new CT scan with plates included. His license was never revoked but just not allowed to engage in professional fights until he submits a new CT scan.

He was scheduled to fight but was postponed twice. First was for Dante Almario’s promotion when he had three tooth extractions.

The second time was when he had UTI. The boxer started practicing for a scheduled fight on the first week November.

Mitra was at the Ospital ng Manila when Claro passed away. Together with the representatives of the Singwancha Foundation, Mitra immediately made arrangements for the mortuary and funeral services. He also arranged the free transport of Carlo’s remains to his hometown in Coron, Palawan. However, Claro’s remains will be in Pasay City until Thursday.

According to Claro’s relatives, he got his CT scan from Batangas but proceeded to Olivarez General Hospital to get another one which he then submitted to the GAB medical division.

Boxing supporter Jen Javella brought Claro’s CT scan result from Olivarez to a neurologist of the Makati Medical Center for double checking.