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BOXER Willibaldo Garcia has been urgently taken to the hospital after becoming unwell following his weigh-in, leading to a last-minute request for a replacement.
Garcia was set to defend his IBF super-flyweight title against Japan’s Kenshiro Teraji on Saturday in Riyadh.
Willibaldo Garcia, left, has been withdrawn from his fight with Kenshiro TerajiCredit: Getty
He made weight successfully, weighing in under the 115lb limit, but fell ill shortly afterward and required hospitalization.
The commission has declined to clear him to fight, prompting Turki Alalshikh to urgently seek a replacement.
He reached out to 1-0 Murtda Ziemalabden and 3-1 Algerian Moussa Mouhoub to step in for Garcia with only a day's notice.
Garcia’s manager, Sean Gibbons, told Ring Magazine : “Everything was going well. This morning, Willibaldo made weight perfectly.
“Then he participated in the second day ceremony, and everything seemed fine. I’m not sure what’s wrong, but he’s experiencing stomach discomfort.
“I took him to get his stomach examined, and he just isn’t feeling well. That’s all there is to it.”
The event is headlined by pound-for-pound star defending his undisputed super-bantamweight titles against Alan Picasso.
Junto Nakatani is also featured on the undercard, facing Sebastian Hernandez Reyes as he prepares for a highly anticipated Japanese super-fight against Inoue next year.
Inoue commented: “I absolutely can’t afford to lose. My motivation stems from the position I hold in the division. I’ve achieved results that satisfy me.
“However, now that I am 32, the reality of retirement — the fact that I will eventually retire — is becoming more apparent at this stage.
“Being scheduled on the same show as Junto Nakatani, fans are looking forward to next year with great expectations.
“So, I need to demonstrate that I’m still competitive. Both of us winning is the top priority.”
Naoya Inoue and David PicassoCredit: Reuters
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Willibaldo Garcia taken to the hospital?
Willibaldo Garcia fell ill shortly after his weigh-in and required hospitalization for examination and treatment.
Who is being considered as a replacement for Garcia?
Turki Alalshikh has called upon 1-0 Murtda Ziemalabden and 3-1 Algerian Moussa Mouhoub to replace Garcia on very short notice.
What does Sean Gibbons say about Garcia's condition?
Sean Gibbons mentioned that everything was going well until Garcia started experiencing stomach discomfort, which led to his hospitalization.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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