by - Former Brazilian boxer Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues died on Thursday
- Rodrigues died at the age of 66 after 28 days of treatment
- He fought Evander Holyfield in 1989 and George Foreman in 1990
Brazilian boxing legend Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues has died at the age of 66.
He died on Thursday in Sao Paulo as a result of several health complications.
Rodrigues was a WBF Heavyweight Champion, a WBC Continental American Heavyweight Champion and held the South American title for 14 consecutive years between 1986 and 2000.
His professional career ended in 2000 with a record of 77 wins, seven losses and one draw.
Some of these defeats came against truly elite opponents.
Brazilian boxing legend Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues died on Thursday at the age of 66
Rodrigues pictured (right) in June 1990 during a fight against George Foreman in Las Vegas
Rodrigues was knocked out by Evander Holyfield in 1989 and by George Foreman the following year. Both fights took place in Las Vegas.
Among the famous fighters who lost to Rodrigues was former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson in 1995. Nelson is now best known for his role as a Sky Sports pundit.
In 2013, Rodrigues was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
He died this week after being treated for pneumonia and abdominal pain for 28 days.
Following his death, thousands of fans took to social media to share their tributes.
One fan tweeted: “We say goodbye to a great icon of Brazilian sport, Adilson Rodrigues, known as Maguila.” A fighter whose determination took Brazilian boxing to international heights. In and out of the ring, Maguila has always been a role model for overcoming obstacles and overcoming challenges.”
