NATHANIELSZ
THE Philippine sports community is mourning the death of Ronnie Nathanielsz, who passed away in San Francisco, California, USA on Friday (Saturday Manila time).
He was 81. Nathanielsz was hospitalized after suffering a cardiac arrest while on his way to cover the Manny Pacquiao-Jessie Vargas fight last Sunday in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Though based in Manila, the Sri Lankan sports analyst was a regular fixture in Cebu as he used to host and commentate the Pinoy Pride boxing series of ALA Promotions.
Nathanielsz’ career lasted for over four decades that saw him becoming one of the country’s respected boxing analysts.
One of the highlights of Nathanielsz’s career as a boxing analyst and sportswriter was his coverage of the historic boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier dubbed as “Thrilla In Manila” in 1975.
He also became a commentator of the Philippine Basketball Association.