“How could this happen?” Olympic star who once faced Mayweather dies in shocking hit-and-run accident... aged 55

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

A Puerto Rican boxing legend, who had fought undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. for a world title, met a tragic end in a hit-and-run and multi-vehicle collision. The global boxing community was plunged into deep sorrow by the shocking news of the death of the veteran fighter, who had burned with fighting spirit on the square ring through his participation in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and challenges for world championships.

The British media outlet “The Sun” reported on the 3rd (Korean time), “Carlos Herena Ayende, an Olympic boxer who once faced Mayweather, passed away at the age of 55 after a horrific accident in which he was struck by two vehicles in succession,” adding, “A wave of mourning has swept through the boxing world since the news of his death was announced.”

The fatal incident occurred in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, his hometown. Herena, known locally by the nickname “El Topo” (The Mole), was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle while crossing a highway and fell to the road.

The tragedy did not end there. A second vehicle that followed failed to notice him lying on the road in time and ran over him, causing him to lose his life tragically at the scene.

Herena was a representative boxing star of Puerto Rico who had heated up the square ring in the 1990s. He made his name known by advancing to the second round of the featherweight division as a national team member at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

After turning professional the following year in 1993, Herena challenged for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight championship title twice, enjoying his prime. After suffering defeat in his first challenge against Henaro Hernandez, he staged a historic title match against Mayweather in Las Vegas, USA, in 1999. At the time, Herena engaged in a fierce exchange of punches against the sharp punches of Mayweather, who was on an undefeated streak at his peak, but lost by TKO in the eighth round and unfortunately failed to claim the belt.

Upon news of the tragic incident, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) issued an official statement, expressing deep condolences for the passing of Carlos “El Topo” Herena, who was deeply respected in the Puerto Rican boxing community and left an indelible mark through his passion and dedication to boxing. The organization also conveyed sincere condolences to his bereaved family, acquaintances, and the entire Puerto Rican boxing community.

Boxing fans around the world are also expressing their grief over the hollow death of a legend who dominated an era, posting on social media messages such as “Rest in peace forever, champion” and “He was a great human being and a true fighter.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original