The Philippine boxing community is mourning the loss of Jordan Atlao, a young professional boxer from Claveria, Bukidnon. According to sources, he passed away on March 13 in Butuan City at just 23 years old.
“Jordan Atlao, the Claveria, Bukidnon-born boxer who fell into a critical coma following a sparring accident, di ed on March 13 in Butuan City,” a confirmation that came through family members and fellow boxers on social media. “Atlao had remained comatose for 10 days before his untimely de ath.”
Reports from the local boxing community revealed that Atlao had recently achieved an important milestone by capturing the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) flyweight title.
At the time of the accident, he had been in the midst of preparation for what would have been the most significant milestone of his career. The 23-year-old was preparing for his first match abroad, scheduled this May in Japan.
Atlao collapsed shortly after a sparring session and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a severe head injury that left him in critical condition. Despite nearly 10 days of intensive medical care, the young boxer never regained consciousness.
Atlao’s professional career had an impressive 6-1 record, underscored by five knockouts. He had been on a three-bout winning streak dating back to 2024, with notable technical knockout victories over Robel Dela Cerna and Francis Jay Diaz, the latter on two separate occasions.
His passing has brought into focus the very real risks that exist within the sport.
Atlao is reportedly the fifth professional boxer in recent years to pass away after falling into a coma. Among those before him were Kenneth Egano, who passed away in 2023 following a four-day coma after a bout in Cavite; Jeffrey Claro in 2017; Karlo Maquinto in 2012; and Lito Sisnorio in 2007.
The issue of boxer safety has also been brought into focus by the separate case of Japanese boxer Ginjiro Shigeoka, who collapsed during a May 2025 IBF minimumweight title bout against Pedro Taduran. Unlike Atlao, Shigeoka survived and continues his recovery in rehabilitation.
Jordan Atlao was 23 years old.
