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. 🙏🏼
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