Becky Zerlentes, a 34-year-old college professor and amateur boxer died.
On April 3, 2005, history was rewritten in the most devastating way. Becky Zerlentes, a 34-year-old college professor and amateur boxer, became the first woman in the United States to die from injuries sustained in a sanctioned boxing match.
Zerlentes, who held a PhD and taught geography and economics, wasn’t just an academic, she was passionate about combat sports. But during the third round of the Colorado State Boxing Senior Female Championships, a blow to her head left her unconscious. She never woke up.
Her husband, Stephan Weiler, received the dreaded 2 a.m. call from Denver Health. By the time he arrived, Zerlentes had suffered massive brain trauma. Despite wearing protective headgear, her brain was so severely bruised that doctors said she was likely already gone when she hit the canvas. Weiler made the painful decision to remove life support so her organs could be donated, something she deeply believed in.
The tragedy sparked a media frenzy, but Weiler chose silence over spectacle. Now, almost two decades later, he speaks to warn others. “Boxing is built on bloodlust,” he said. “Athletes need to understand the real risks before stepping into the ring.”
He’s not alone. Amy Lavelle, whose partner Davey Browne Jr died in 2015 after a similar incident in Australia, shares his grief and frustration over the sport’s lack of accountability and education.
Together, they hope telling their stories will help others make informed choices, and maybe prevent another tragedy.
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