So, like, picture this, right? It’s April 3, 2005, and the clock is ticking away to 02:00 in Washington. Stephan Weiler is jolted awake by a phone call that he probably never wanted to receive. Someone on the other end asks, “Is Becky Zerlentes your wife?” Stephan confirms, and then he gets hit with the news – he needs to rush to the airport ASAP because Becky’s condition is going downhill real fast.
Before that fateful day, no female boxer in the US had ever lost their life in a sanctioned fight. But Becky Zerlentes changed all that. She had won a regional boxing title three years prior, but now, her tragic end was making headlines. While the stories of other fighters were well-known, the impact of Becky’s death was more personal, especially to the Denver community and her loved ones.
Becky lived and breathed combat sports. It was her passion, her adrenaline rush every time she stepped into the ring or the MMA cage. Apart from her time in combat, the 34-year-old also worked as a geography and economics teacher at a local college. She had her master’s and PhD, showing that she was a force to be reckoned with both in and out of the ring.
On that fatal night, Stephan was at the Federal Reserve, doing his thing. Becky was facing off against Heather Schmitz in the Colorado State Boxing Senior Female Championships. The venue was packed with over 10,000 people, and both women were geared up with protective headgear. The fight went on for two rounds until that one blow changed everything in the third.
Becky took a hit above her left eye, stumbled, hit the canvas, and then lost consciousness. She never woke up from that state until the next morning when she passed away. Stephan recalls the doctor mentioning how severe the brain damage was, all from a seemingly minor blow. The decision to let Becky go was tough, but Stephan knew it was time, especially since Becky was a strong advocate for organ donation.
The aftermath of Becky’s death shook Denver. Tributes poured in, highlighting Becky’s warmth and strength. However, the media circus that followed was something Stephan wanted no part of. He kept a low profile, steering clear of the attention until it fizzled out. For 10 days, he stayed away from home, avoiding the prying eyes of reporters.
Fast forward to September 11, 2015, and we’re in Sydney at 1am. Davey Browne Jr is fighting for his life in the hospital. Just an hour ago, he was in the ring, seconds away from a win, but then tragedy struck. His wife, Amy Lavelle, watched in horror as her world crumbled before her eyes. The nightmare of losing her husband, a father of two, was too much to bear.
Amy’s grief connected her with Stephan, who had gone through a similar loss. Both bonded over their shared pain and the lack of support in the aftermath. The boxing world was silent, failing to address the issues of safety and regulations. With no governing body overseeing the sport, incidents like Becky’s and Davey’s deaths raise serious questions about the risks involved.
The impact of combat sports on long-term health is a growing concern, not just in boxing but also in other contact sports like American football. Players and fighters face the risk of brain trauma and conditions like CTE, which can have devastating effects. The lack of awareness and education around these risks puts athletes in a vulnerable position, facing a lifetime of health struggles for the sake of sport.
In the end, Stephan’s message is clear – think twice before stepping into the ring. The glory may be tempting, but the risks are real. As Amy puts it, there needs to be more education and awareness for athletes entering these sports, ensuring they understand the consequences of their choices. It’s a tough reality to face, but one that needs to be addressed for the safety and well-being of all fighters.
