Boxing prodigy, 21, found dead wrapped in blanket near Mexican border
Mexican boxing has been plunged into mourning after the body of Jesus Ivan Mercado Cabrera was discovered wrapped in a blanket in a desert area in the northern part of the country
A police investigation is underway after a promising boxing star was found dead on a roadside near the U.S. border.
The boxing community is in shock following the discovery of Jesus Ivan Mercado Cabrera's body, wrapped in a blanket and tape, in a desert area near the border between the states of Sonora and Baja California in northern Mexico. The 21-year-old, considered one of the country's top prospects, had been reported missing.
After a suspicious package was reported near a road, Mercado Cabrera was identified by his various tattoos. There were no signs of physical violence on the deceased, but local media reports claim police believe he was murdered.
A group from San Luis Rio Colorado that was searching for Mercado Cabrera confirmed his death in a statement. It read: "Family located. The young man who was found dead has been identified by his relatives, who will begin the necessary procedures to give him a Christian and dignified burial. RIP Jesus Ivan Mercado Cabrera.
"We thank everyone who took the time to react and share our post. Thanks to everyone, he will return to his loved ones. Thank you for your support in sharing and showing empathy for the suffering of others."
Mercado Cabrera had a professional record of seven wins, nine losses and one draw from his 17 professional fights. Despite the number of defeats on his record, there were high hopes he could go far in the sport.
Known as 'Rafaguita' and hailing from Nogales, Mercado Cabrera had recently relocated to San Luis Rio Colorado to advance his career. Heartbroken fans have flooded social media with tributes to the young fighter. One fan said: "Rest in power young king." Another added: "May you rest, fierce warrior, champ."
The announcement of Mercado Cabrera's death compounds a tragic week for the sport following the death of former world champion Ricky Hatton, who was found dead on Sunday morning. Manchester Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
The passing of the 46-year-old, one of Britain's most popular boxers of all time, has sparked a wave of tributes from the sports community. A family statement released via Hatton's Instagram account on Wednesday revealed that he was found by his long-time manager, Paul Speak.
"We are all distraught at the events of recent days," the statement began. "To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.
"He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai, which his beloved girls [daughters] Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.
"He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with [son] Campbell and [grandaughter] Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife."