LUIS VILLALTA PASSES AWAY DAYS AFTER COLLAPSING IN HIS DRESSING ROOM FOLLOWING A TITLE FIGHT IN SOUTH FLORIDA By Elisa Harrison

LUIS VILLALTA PASSES AWAY DAYS AFTER COLLAPSING IN HIS DRESSING ROOM FOLLOWING A TITLE FIGHT AT THE SEMINOLE'S COCONUT CREEK CASINO IN SOUTH FLORIDA

March 3, 2004 - Thirty-five year old Peruvian lightweight Luis Villalta passed away around noon today at North Broward Medical Trauma Center in Pompano Beach, Florida where he was admitted in a coma Saturday, February 28. The sad news was confirmed by Villalta's manager Anthony Toresco.

Villalta lapsed into unconsciousness moments after losing a unanimous decision and his North American Boxing Association title to local fighter Ricky "Showtime" Quiles at the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Coconut Creek Casino. Villalta dominated the early part of the fight, scoring a knockdown in the opening round. He was never down in the bout.

According to reports, while in the dressing room with his manager, Villalta pointed to the top of his head, vomited and collapsed. Ringside physicians and EMT personnel rushed to assist the fighter;  the incident delayed the main event featuring 1988 Olympic gold medalist Ray Mercer for 30 minutes after the first round of Mercer's match.

The unconscious Villalta was transported to North Broward Medical Trauma Center in nearby Pompano Beach, where doctors assessed that the fighter had suffered severe head trauma. He underwent surgery early Sunday morning to relieve swelling and bleeding around the brain. Villalta was then placed on a respirator and sadly, lost the fight of his life this afternoon.

Warrior's Boxing Promotions, promoters of Saturday's boxing card, worked with U.S. Government officials and the Peruvian Consulate in Miami to expedite an emergency visa for Villalta's wife Maribel, who was due to arrive in Miami on  Wednesday morning.

Manager Toresco informed us that Villalta's family has no money at all. In response to the many phone calls they have received from people wanting to help,  Mrs. Toresco has set up a trust-fund account for the family. Those interested in making a contribution can write to Villalta Family Fund, 16 Campbell Road, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844. The fund will benefit Villalta's  wife and his two children,  a 13-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son, who live in Lima, Peru.

We urge all our readers to help this brave fighter's family with a contribution. Our prayers are with the Villalta family during such tragic time. May Luis Villalta rest in peace.

Posted Wedn. 3-03-3004, 3:30 PM