Alex Saucedo Suffered Two Brain Bleeds During Barboza Bout; Retires At 26

[Ruthless-RKO]

Alex Saucedo Suffered Two Brain Bleeds During Barboza Bout; Retires At 26

Alex Saucedo suffered what turned out to be a career-ending loss October 17.

ESPN’s Mark Kriegel revealed during an ESPN+ stream Saturday night from Las Vegas that Saucedo sustained two brain bleeds during his 10-round, unanimous-decision defeat to Arnold Barboza Jr. two weeks ago. The 26-year-old Saucedo told Kriegel he believes a clash of heads in the first round did the damage that ultimately ended the junior welterweight contender’s career long before he had hoped it would conclude.

“My career is done,” Saucedo told Kriegel. “But I’m glad to be alive.”

Saucedo said he didn’t feel normal while boxing Barboza after that first round.

The bleeds detected on Saucedo’s brain were 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters, according to what Sam Katkovski, Saucedo’s manager, told Kriegel. Saucedo spent three nights at University Medical Center in Las Vegas following his loss to Barboza, but he feels thankful that he remains relatively healthy.

“I’ve never saw another fighter come out alive after one of these,” Saucedo told Kriegel. “But if I get hit again, I might not be able to talk about it.”

Saucedo has two young children, ages 7 and 1.

The all-action Saucedo’s career concluded with a 30-2 record, including 19 knockouts.

Saucedo lost to Maurice Hooker by seventh-round technical knockout in their fight for Hooker’s WBO junior welterweight title in November 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Saucedo’s hometown.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Saucedo retires with a career record of 30-2 (19 KO)

It’s always a shame when a fighter has to retire early like this, but there’s the blessing that this wasn’t worse, too, and that Saucedo can live his life from this point on. He was someone I enjoyed watching ply his trade, a true warrior, and hopefully everyone will appreciate the career he had, the entertainment he gave us, and the passion he displayed in the ring.

[bobcatbox]

Heartbreaking. 30-2 at age 26 is a great record. Dude should be proud of his career.

[margaret thatcher]

Strong guy but blocked with his face and paid the price. He's lucky to be in such good shape with a double brain bleed

[H8Usernames]

Sorry to hear this. At 26 with two young children this man has alot to live for. Life will throw this young man a bone. Baby Bull Juan Diaz, didnt he go from HBO to making a killing driving trucks? I hope this young man finds his way in life.

[JxhDel.]

At least, he is in time to recover a stable life. Great aggressor but took a lot of punishment.

[JMac]

You don't play boxing. It's the toughest sport there is.

[brilo33]

sad to hear that, tough guy fights a like warrior