https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-new ... g-13541173
This is the harrowing moment horrified onlookers try to save the life of a former champion boxer who collapsed and died during a croissant-eating competition.
Several men surround Argentinian Mario Melo and attempt to dislodge food stuck in his throat after he suffered complications during a croissant eating contest .
Footage taken from the crowd show the men smacking 1990 WBA light-heavyweight world title challenger Mario, 56, on the back to free his airwaves.
Tragically, he died as he choked on his third croissant during Sunday’s competition in the Atlantic coastal resort of Pinamar near the city of Mar del Plata.
An autopsy on Monday confirmed the southpaw, a South American light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion in the eighties and nineties, had choked to death after his windpipe became blocked with dough.
A witness told local media: “It was terrible because this happened in front of lots of families with young children.
“The hosts were joking and saying the participants couldn’t talk. They realised how dangerous it was but tried to minimise the risk.
“There wasn’t even a glass of water to hand. Mario asked for one when he was struggling and almost couldn’t talk and after that he collapsed.”
Journalist Christian Echeveria added: “At no point did the local town hall specify there would be a competition where the participants would have to eat as many croissants as they could in a minute.”
Mario, who was knocked out in the first round after challenging US boxer Michael Moorer for the WBA light-heavyweight world title in 1990, spoke of his diabetes in an interview two years ago.
He said: “I miss boxing. When I was doing well and at the top of my game, I had a lot of friends. Now it’s finished I feel alone.
“Everyone makes money, apart from the boxer.”
Seventeen of his 21 victories during his career came from knockouts.
His nickname was Mazazo, which in English translates as ‘Heavy Blow.’
