The WBC mourns the passing of Richie Sandoval

Former WBA bantamweight champion Richie Sandoval has died aged just 63.

Sandoval, who was 118-pound champion from April 1984 to March 1986, was born in Pomona, California.

Richie retired after his near-fatal loss to Gaby Canizales. After having to lose about 12 pounds to make weight, he was left severely weakened and fell several times before being stopped in the seventh round.

Richie was knocked unconscious and shortly after the fight he stopped breathing for about three minutes. It is truly a miracle that Richie did not die on the night of March 10, 1986, but rather that doctors managed to save his life with a brain surgery.

The entire WBC family and its President Mauricio Sulaimán, send our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of the champion.

Rest in peace