- Former Brazilian boxer Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues died this 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 passed away at the age of 66.
He died in Sao Paulo on Thursday after multiple health complications.
Rodrigues was WBF Heavyweight Champion, WBC American Continental Heavyweight Champion and held the South American title for 14 consecutive years between 1986 and 2000.
His professional career ended in 2000 with his record of 77 wins, seven losses and one draw.
Some of those losses came against truly elite opposition.
Brazilian boxing legend Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues died Thursday at age 66
Rodrigues photographed (right) in June 1990 during a fight against George Foreman in Las Vegas.
Rodrigues was knocked out by Evander Holyfield in 1989 and then by George Foreman the following year. Both fights took place in Las Vegas.
Among the famous fighters who lost to Rodrigues was former world cruiserweight 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.
His death this week came after receiving 28 days of treatment for pneumonia and abdominal pain.
Following his death, thousands of fans took to social media to share tributes.
One fan tweeted: ‘We say goodbye to a great icon of Brazilian sports, Adilson Rodrigues, known as Maguila. A fighter who, with his determination, took Brazilian boxing to international heights. Inside and outside the ring, Maguila was always an example of overcoming obstacles, of facing challenges.’