SportsTragedy in the ring. Unbeaten boxer dies after knockout at 27

Tragedy in the ring. Unbeaten boxer dies after knockout at 27

In the photo: Ardi Ndembo
In the photo: Ardi Ndembo
Images source: © Instagram

6:13 AM EDT, April 27, 2024

Sad news has emerged from the boxing world: Ardi Ndembo, who was knocked out three weeks ago by Nestor Santana, has passed away. Despite the doctors' efforts to save the Congolese boxer, he succumbed to his injuries at the age of 27.

The tragic event occurred at a gala hosted by the Team Combat League in Florida three weeks ago. It was a fiercely competitive one-round, three-minute match, where fighters did not hold back, pushing their limits to secure a win.

The bout between Ndembo and Santana was highly anticipated, as both boxers had previously remained undefeated. The intense exchange of punches ended with Santana's victory by knockout. However, the outcome quickly became a secondary concern when Ndembo lost consciousness for several minutes and was urgently transported to a local hospital, signaling grave concerns for his well-being.

In the hospital, Ndembo, only 27 years old, was placed into a medically induced coma. Right from the start, the prognosis by the medical team was grim. On Friday, April 26, the heartbreaking announcement came: Ndembo had passed away.

The boxer from Congo had an impressive record before this tragic event, winning eight professional fights, seven of which were by knockout. Unfortunately, he couldn't win his most crucial battle, the one for his life.

"We mourn the loss of Ardi Ndembo, a talented Congolese boxer, who tragically passed away after being knocked out in the Team Combat League event. He remained in a coma until his untimely death," shared his promoter on the X service.

Ardi Ndembo hailed from Brazzaville, Congo. He was a father of two and only 27 years old at the time of his passing.