AFTER days from slipping into coma, promising 22-year-old boxing prospect Kenneth Egano passed away on Wednesday afternoon, May 10, 2023 from a head injury.
Egano collapsed in his corner while waiting for the decision of his eight-round fight with hard-hitting Jason Facularin in Manny Pacquiao’s Blow-by-Blow show last May 6 at the Imus Sports Gymnasium in Imus, Cavite. Egano won the fight by unanimous decision with scores of 77-74, 76-75 and 76-75.
Egano was rushed to the hospital and was in a state of coma.
Filipino boxing Manny Pacquiao, who was the promoter of the event, promised to shoulder Egano’s hospital bills. However, a few days later, Egano succumbed to the head injury.
The boxing community was saddened by the turn of events and sent its condolences to the fallen warrior.
Facularin wrote on Facebook his sentiments on Egano’s shocking demise.
“My friend Kenneth Egano, why did you let go? You’re one of the best. I didn’t want this to happen to us. We did our best, but why did this happen to us? I’m sorry that this happened... I hope you are in a better place right now,” he said.
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) also sent its condolences to Egano.
“The whole agency of the Games and Amusements Board is mourning the loss of a professional boxer, Kenneth Egano. Our condolences to the family and friends of Kenneth. May his soul rest in peace,” GAB wrote on Facebook.
“Blow-by-Blow” also mourned the loss of Egano through a statement on Facebook.
“Sad day for ‘Blow by Blow.’ Sad day for Philippine boxing. The whole ‘Blow by Blow’ family is deeply saddened by the news that one of our beloved fighters, Kenneth Egano, has joined our creator this afternoon. Kenneth was one of Blow by Blow’s best young pugilists and had a potential to be a future champion. Our heartfelt condolences and fervent prayers go out to the family Kenneth left behind. Rest in peace, Kenneth Egano. You will be missed,” wrote Blow-by-Blow.
World-rated Mike Plania, who was a sparring partner of Egano, paid tribute with a beautiful rap song about the life of boxers and wrote on his caption: “This is a short message to all the fighters. Idol Kenneth, you’ll always be a champion in our hearts.”
Egano, a native of General Santos City, had a budding pro boxing career that kicked off in 2019. He outclassed Jaype Palca Santos by unanimous decision in his pro debut on Dec. 27, 2019 in Digos City. After winning his first two fights, he suffered his first career loss with a close split decision defeat to Ariel Antimaro in Digos City. Egano’s boxing career quickly picked up from there and won his next five fights with wins over Sugary Montales, Jayar Aliasot, Jelo Bacalso, Jegear Bereno and then Facularin before passing away.
Egano had a record of 7-1 with three knockouts. (EKA)