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:
Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
Wed, 11 Feb 2026Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
Wed, 11 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Wed, 11 Feb 2026IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 11 Feb 2026