Remembering Becky Zerlentes: The First Female Boxer to Die in the Ring in the U.S.
On April 3, 2005, an unexpected call shattered the quiet of night for Stephan Weiler in Washington, D.C. The official on the other end urgently asked if he was Becky Zerlentes’ husband, signaling an impending crisis. The news was grave: Zerlentes’ health was rapidly declining following a bout in Denver.
Until this tragic incident, no female fighter in sanctioned U.S. boxing history had lost her life during a match. Zerlentes, who had captured a regional boxing title just three years prior, would inadvertently alter the landscape of the sport with her passing, leaving a profound yet private void in her community and among her loved ones.
Life Beyond the Ring
Boxing was not just a sport for Zerlentes; it was a driving force in her life. Outside the ring, she led a fulfilling career as a geography and economics instructor at Front Range Community College, balancing her academic accomplishments, which included a master’s degree and a Ph.D., with her passion for combat sports.
On that fateful night, Weiler, who was working at the Federal Reserve, had promised Zerlentes he’d return to Fort Collins soon. As Zerlentes faced Heather Schmitz in the Colorado State Boxing Senior Female Championships at the Denver Coliseum—a venue known for hosting massive events such as Rolling Stones concerts—the bout turned tragic. After two rounds of exchanging punches, Zerlentes was struck above her left eye and fell to the canvas, losing consciousness.
The Tragic Incident
Weiler described the grim scene in the boxing ring, where the ringside doctor noted Zerlentes’ pupils were fixed and dilated, indicating potential brain damage. By the time Weiler boarded a flight to Denver at dawn, Zerlentes’ condition had deteriorated significantly. Upon arrival at the hospital, he witnessed first-hand the extent of her injuries, noting, “The amount of damage to Becky’s brain was remarkable given that it was a fairly glancing blow.” Sadly, the life support keeping her alive began to fail, and despite her known vibrancy, Weiler chose to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go that noon.
Aftermath and Advocacy
The news of Zerlentes’ death sent shockwaves through Denver, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, students, and community members who cherished her spirit. However, the media spotlight on her death intensified in a troubling manner, especially with the concurrent release of the boxing-themed film “Million Dollar Baby.” Weiler deliberately distanced himself from his home, opting for seclusion as reporters camped outside his residence. He avoided extensive public commentary, only giving limited interviews due to the media frenzy surrounding his wife’s legacy.
It was a full 15 months before Weiler felt ready to confront his past and return home. Meanwhile, Heather Schmitz faced her own turmoil. The accidental nature of the blow that led to Zerlentes’ death left Schmitz embroiled in a police investigation that classified her as a homicide suspect. However, she and Weiler eventually connected, sharing a moment of mutual grief and healing, leading to an understanding that Zerlentes’ passing was a tragic accident rather than an intentional act. The case against Schmitz was eventually dropped.
In subsequent years, Weiler became an advocate for awareness around the dangers of boxing, highlighting the sport’s brutal nature. He emphasized the need for athletes, especially newcomers, to be educated on the risks involved in competitive fighting. His cautionary words resonated with parallels being drawn between boxing and other high-contact sports like American football, which has also faced scrutiny over trauma-related injuries.
Continuing the Conversation
As the conversation about health and safety in boxing continues, tragic stories like that of Becky Zerlentes and Davey Browne Jr., another victim of the sport, underline the harsh realities fighters face. The ramifications of brain injuries, exacerbated by the lack of oversight within the sport, point to an urgent need for reform and education for all who engage in combat sports.
Weiler believes that if boxers knew the extent of the risks involved—much like discussions surrounding concussions in football—they might think twice before stepping into the ring. This reality check, while painful, is essential in preventing future tragedies. The need for greater protections and awareness in boxing remains as pressing as ever, and the experiences of Zerlentes and her loved ones serve as stark reminders of the sport’s inherent dangers.
