As reported in several outlets, boxer Benjamin Flores died at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas on Tuesday. The cause of death was ruled to be "blunt head injuries." Having watchedthe fight from ringside, this sad news hits close to home.
Flores, 19-4, was facing Al Seeger for the North American Boxing Federation bantamweight belt (122 lbs). This was the main event of a four fight card as part of the Texas Real Estate Council's annual Fight Night. The fight was a competitive and close contest. In the eighth round of a scheduled twelve, Seeger put Flores into the ropes with a body shot. Seeger followed with several shots to the head. As Flores had stopped defending himself, the referee Laurence Cole stopped the fight. Although a stool was brought to him, he insisted on laying down and lost consciousness. Ringside doctors began working on him, and he was eventually sent to Parkland where he underwent surgery.
Flores leaves behind a wife and 10 month old son. Born in Morelia Mexico and living in Houston, he split his time between training under his father and working at a local Taco Bell.
This is a painful reminder of the dangerous nature of these sports. The fine line between an exciting sporting competition and a potentially deadly fight can be blurred quickly.
A memorial fund has been established by the Real Estate Council. Contributions can be sent to the following:
Benjamin Flores Memorial Fund
ATTN: Sabrina Jaramillo
Guaranty Bank, 2nd Floor - TMSS
8333 Douglas Avenue
Dallas, TX 75225
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