The Fateful Night

On April 3, 2005, the boxing world was shaken to its core. Becky Zerlentes, a 34-year-old geography and economics instructor and amateur boxer, became the first female boxer in the United States to die in a sanctioned fight. The incident occurred during the Colorado State Boxing Senior Female Championships at the Denver Coliseum.

The Fight

Zerlentes faced Heather Schmitz in a bout that was supposed to be a testament to her dedication and skill. Both women wore protective headgear, but in the third round, a devastating blow to Zerlentes' head, just above her left eye, sent her staggering forward. She struck the canvas and fell unconscious, a state she would remain in until her death the following morning.

The Aftermath

Her husband, Stephan Weiler, received the dreaded call in the early hours of the morning. By the time he reached the hospital, it was clear that the damage to Zerlentes' brain was irreparable. The life support she was on began to fail, and Weiler had to make the heart-wrenching decision to let her go, knowing that the window for organ donation, which Zerlentes fervently supported, was closing.

The Impact

Zerlentes' death sent shockwaves through the Denver community and beyond. Tributes poured in from colleagues, students, and friends, all of whom remembered her as a pillar of the community. However, the media circus that followed, fueled by the recent release of the film Million Dollar Baby, added an additional layer of pain for Weiler.

Heather Schmitz's Struggle

Heather Schmitz, the opponent who delivered the fatal blow, faced her own nightmare. She was interviewed by Denver police in relation to a homicide case, though the charges were eventually dropped. Schmitz reached out to Weiler, expressing her deep remorse, which he accepted, reminding her that she had not meant to kill Zerlentes.

A Call for Change

Weiler and others affected by similar tragedies, like Amy Lavelle, whose husband Davey Browne Jr. died in a boxing match in Australia, have since spoken out about the need for greater safety measures in combat sports. They emphasize the importance of educating athletes about the risks involved and the long-term health implications of repeated head trauma.

Conclusion

Becky Zerlentes' legacy is a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in combat sports. Her story has sparked conversations about the need for better safety protocols and the importance of understanding the risks before stepping into the ring. As the boxing community continues to grapple with these issues, Zerlentes' memory serves as a call to action for change.