Ronnie Nathanielsz, a veteran sports broadcaster and analyst died in San Francisco, California at the age of 81, on early Saturday, a week after suffering a heart attack.
The veteran sportscaster was in the United States and was expected to join a TV broadcast panel covering the boxing champ Manny Pacquiao's fight against American boxer Jesse Vargas last November 5 when he felt chest pains on the way to Las Vegas. Later, he suffered cardiac arrest.
Ronnie's family pulled him off life support days after he was rushed to the hospital where he was under intensive care unit.
ABS-CBN sports broadcaster TJ Manotoc said: "He's loved and respected by majority of sports fans because of his contributions in boxing journalism, although I do understand that there are significant people who don't like him because of his history with the Marcoses."
"He'll be a big loss," Manotoc added.
Ronie was known for his remarkable analysis of boxing matches. He was appointed by former president Ferdinand Marcos to act as liason officer between the government and the organizers of the fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, dubbed as "Thrilla in Manila."
When Pacquiao rose to fame, Ronnie was one of the first local media personalities to refer to the world champion as "a national treasure."
Ronnie's colleagues and friends are mourning his death. Among them were Dyan Castillejo who said Ronnie was always fun and full of passion in their coverages, adding his credibility and integrity has always inspired her.
Ed Tolentino, a fellow boxing analyst said it is with a heavy heart and tears in his eyes that he's saying farewell to Ronnie.
Ronnie was born in Sri Lanka and was granted Filipino citizenship by Marcos in May 1973. His remains will eventually be flown to Manila.
Source: ABS-CBN
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