Former Champ Ernesto “Ñato” Marcel Passes Away
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 30 Jun 2020
Former WBA Featherweight World Champion Ernesto “Ñato” Marcel of Panama passed away today at age 72, his death was not related to covid-19.
“Ñato” Marcel was a champion in the 70’s, the 6th world champion born in Panama.
Marcel battled awesome boxers of his time, including Nicaraguan legend Alexis Arguello and compatriot “Hands of Stone” Roberto Durán, who became his lifelong friend.
At age 26 being champion of the world, he retired from boxing 🥊 and never attempted to come back.
Some fans said that his mother begged him not to fight again, and “Ñato” Marcel obliged.
During the recent years, Marcel has been suffering from some brain degenerative disease (Parkinson’s or Alzaimers), perhaps result of his rough battles in the ring.
During his life, Marcel was easy to smile and friendly to fans.
R.I.P. champ. 🙏🏼
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Bohat fights for PBF Silver bantamweight crown
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 21 May 2026AGM Bernardino to hold chess simul in San Manuel, Tarlac
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026JONES VS. GUALTIERI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Thu, 21 May 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: From Madrid to Johannesburg – The Legacy of the WBC in South Africa
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 21 May 2026TYSON VS. MAYWEATHER EXHIBITION IS ON— TYSON BROKEN HAND PUSHES EVENT FROM SPRING TO FALL OF 2026
Thu, 21 May 2026Three Lions Promotions Building pro boxing back to Glory days in Metro Vancouver
Thu, 21 May 2026Jenn Perella shines, Bobby Laing stops Russ Kimber in 1st round
Thu, 21 May 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Gustavo Trujillo Looks to Continue his Rise in the Heavyweight Division
Thu, 21 May 2026Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante rules 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures Eight More Victories on Day Three of 2026 Copa America
Thu, 21 May 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 19 MAY 2026: Davis Outpoints Albright; Kuse Dethrones Jerusalem; Donovan Defeats Chukhadzhian; Hrgovic Stops Allen
By Eric Armit, Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 2026Filipino grabs second place in the National Canada Chess Challenge 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama Outshines MVP Gilgeous-Alexander as Spurs Beat Thunder 122-115 in Double Overtime Thriller
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 2026