Mexican fighter dies after knockout punch

The World Boxing Council will provide financial support for the family of the Mexican fighter who died today after a five-day coma induced by a knockout punch. The 24-year-old Daniel Aguillon died in a Mexico City hospital. Last Wednesday, he was knocked out by fellow Mexican Alejandro Sanabria in the 12th round of a super-featherweight bout for the Central American title, sanctioned by the WBC. "Daniel's death was totally an accident," WBC general secretary Mauricio Sulaiman said today. "The fight was supported by the WBC and therefore our priority is to help the family so they do not go through financial trouble. The WBC, the promoters and all the people around boxing are committed to donate money to Aguillon's widow and children." Aguillon (16-4-2, 9 KO) was punched in the jaw in the last minute, fell unconscious and never recovered. The WBC has been harshly criticised for clearing Aguillon for 12-round bout, even though he'd never fought past 10 rounds. But Sulaiman said Aguillon passed all necessary medical tests and he nearly won the fight before the knockout blow. AP