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:
Suarez, Lewkowicz Ask the WBO to Enforce Navarrete Rematch and Begin Negotiations Immediately
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 21 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 20 JULY 2026: Papot Outpoints Eubank; Pacheco Stops Aleem; Suarez Smokes Avila in One Round
By Eric Armit, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Fiery Exchange at Fanatics Fest: Garcia and Benn Nearly Brawl in New York Ahead of Sept. 12 Title Clash
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026John Michael Zulueta Headlines in Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Results from Dominican Republic: Alberto Puello Stops Ángel Bolaño in 3
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Matchroom Boxing reveals major fights in UK & Ireland schedule from August to October
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Colombia National Congress Awarded "Kid Pambelé" with Grand Cross Knight
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 21 Jul 2026MILO Marathon returns to Davao on August 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 21 Jul 2026PHILBOXING.COM WEEKEND ROUNDUP: News, Fallout, and the Long Shadow of Sydney
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026Joe Hand Promotions Secures Commercial Rights for Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu Showdown
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Grandy Twins Head to Tampa to Learn from Hall of Famers Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright Ahead of August 14 Homecoming Fight
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Matchroom Extends Brentwood Town Fc Partnership as Principle Partner for Next Five Years as Barry Hearn Obe Provides Significant Investment to Non-League Football Club
Tue, 21 Jul 2026IBA Pro announces departure of Director Al Siesta
Mon, 20 Jul 2026Suarez sends strong signal
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 20 Jul 2026THE CORNER SHIFT: Can Ronnie Shields Rebuild Errol Spence Jr. After the Derrick James Fallout?
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 20 Jul 2026