The boxing world received shocking news on September 15, 2023. Searchers found the body of Jesus Ivan Mercado Cabrera, a 21-year-old boxer known as "Rafaguita," in the desert near San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora.
Two search groups, Colectivo Buscando en San Luis R.C. Sonora and Madres Buscadoras, made the grim discovery. They found Cabrera's body wrapped in a blanket and covered with brown tape on the road to the Gulf of Santa Clara. The area sits on the border between Sonora and Baja California in northwestern Mexico.
Cabrera, from Ciudad Obregon, Mexico, fought in the bantamweight division. He had a professional record of 7 wins, 9 losses, and 1 knockout in 16 fights. The young boxer had plans to fight in Hermosillo, the capital of Mexico's border region, before he went missing.
Family members identified Cabrera by his tattoos. These included "Rafaguita," "Santa Muerte," and the logo of the Yaquis de Ciudad Obregon, a Mexican Pacific League baseball team. He also had tattoos with the names "Leean," "Sofia Yoselyn," and "Km."
The Colectivo Buscando en San Luis R.C. Sonora shared the news on Facebook. They wrote:
"We thank each person who took the time to react and share our publication. Thanks to all of you, he will return to his family, thanks to you for supporting by sharing and showing empathy for the suffering of others."
The group added that the family will now start the process for a Christian and dignified burial.
This tragic event happened as the boxing world focused on the recent fight between Terence Crawford and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. Crawford won by unanimous decision at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, defeating Mexico's top boxing star.
Cabrera's death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by many in Mexico, even as the country continues to produce world-class athletes in boxing and other sports.
