Former world title contender passes away

The Brazilian boxing world mourns the passing of José Adílson Rodrigues Dos Santos, higher often known as “Maguila,” who died at 66 in São Paulo on October 24, 2024. After affected by a number of well being issues, “Maguila” leaves behind a legacy that deeply marked the historical past of boxing in Brazil.

Over 17 years, “Maguila” maintained a outstanding skilled profession, with 85 fights, 77 wins, 68 of which had been by knockout. This distinctive report allowed him to face out because the Brazilian and South American heavyweight champion.

Moreover, “Maguila” was the primary and solely Brazilian to compete for a world title on this division, changing into a sports activities icon in his nation. He additionally had memorable fights in opposition to names like Evander Holyfield and George Foreman.

His passing was confirmed by his spouse, Irani Pinheiro, in an interview with the “Report” channel.

José Adílson Rodrigues was born on June 12, 1958, in Aracaju, in a low-income household. From a younger age, “Maguila” was impressed by boxing greats like Muhammad Ali and Éder Jofre, watching their fights on a neighbor’s tv. At 14, he moved to São Paulo, the place he survived by working in building and confronted severe monetary difficulties.

His skilled profession started in 1979, debuting two years later within the “Forge of Champions” event, crucial boxing occasion in Brazil. In 1983, “Maguila” gained his first nationwide title by defeating Waldemar Paulino on the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in São Paulo, establishing himself as Brazil’s high heavyweight. A 12 months later, in 1984, he gained the South American title by defeating Argentine Juan Antonio Figueroa within the first spherical, a title he held for a decade.

In 1985, “Maguila” suffered his first defeat in opposition to Argentine Daniel Falconi, who knocked him out in São Paulo. Nevertheless, the next 12 months, “Maguila” avenged his defeat and retired Falconi from boxing. In 1986, he gained the WBC Americas title, and in 1996, the WBA and IBF Latin American titles. Though he didn’t win one of many main world titles, Maguila turned the Brazilian heavyweight champion beneath the WBF in 1995 by defeating Johnny Nelson in Osasco.

In 2000, after a last battle in opposition to Daniel Frank, “Maguila” retired from boxing. Although away from the ring, the affect of his profession endured in Brazilian sports activities and common tradition.

In 2013, “Maguila” was recognized with power traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), also called punch-drunk syndrome, a neurodegenerative illness that impacts many former boxers. This analysis was preceded by signs of reminiscence loss and confusion, which intensified over time. Because the illness progressed, “Maguila” skilled episodes of aggression, prompting his spouse to hunt skilled assist.