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:
Donaire awaits WBA order
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 30 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Dec 2025Sampson Boxing Signs Red Hot Middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr to Exclusive Promotional Contract
Tue, 30 Dec 2025Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
Mon, 29 Dec 2025Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Dec 2025Llover, Casimero stop foes in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Dec 2025Organizing Committee Meets for Dr. Eugene Torre Rapid Chess Tournament Honoring FIL-CHI’s Golden Anniversary
Sun, 28 Dec 2025KEYSHAWN DAVIS RETURNS ON THE RING 6 UNDERCARD AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Sun, 28 Dec 2025IM Datu captures 4th IIEE Chess SIKAT, Jeremy Marticio repeat champ for 5th mini-tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 27 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS INOUE AND PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
Fri, 26 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 26 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI OPEN WORKOUTS COMPLETE AS UNDISPUTED KING INOUE GETS READY FOR PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
Thu, 25 Dec 20253-Time, 2-Division World Champion & IBF No. 1, Mandatory Bantamweight World Title Challenger Miyo Yoshida long overdue for her 8th World title fight
Thu, 25 Dec 2025Game On! 1st Paower Pickleball Cup Ignites Action in San Fernando
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 25 Dec 2025Late Replacement Tellez Ready to Shock the World Against Amanda Serrano for WBA & WBO Featherweight Titles on January 3 in Puerto Rico
Wed, 24 Dec 2025