Man Dies After Blow During Boxing Match

A 24-year-old El Toro man died Friday after being punched in the head during a friendly boxing match Wednesday, according to Sheriff’s Lt. Randy Blair.

Roger Lopez died Friday morning at Saddleback Community Hospital in Laguna Hills after being sustained on a life-support system for more than 36 hours, Blair said.

Lopez and Raymond Calderon, 22, also of El Toro, went to El Toro Community Park Wednesday afternoon with two unidentified friends for “a friendly boxing match,” during which they wore boxing gloves, Blair said.

Calderon landed a punch to Lopez’s head. Lopez collapsed and was rushed by his friends to a clinic nearby at about 5:40 p.m. Paramedics were then summoned, Blair said. Lopez was taken to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed on the life-support system, according to Blair, who added that the victim never regained consciousness.

Blair said the coroner’s office would conduct an autopsy today. Sheriff’s deputies are still investigating the incident. Blair said criminal charges are unlikely.