A. Maguila is one of the biggest names in the history of Brazilian boxing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
One of the biggest names in the history of Brazilian boxing, José Adilson dos Santos, the legendary Maguila, lives a care routine, but is doing well. This is information from the boxer himself. At 63 years old and in the daily fight against Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), also known as 'Dementia Pugilística', the popular athlete updated fans about his health status, in an interview with 'ge', and denied rumors about the financial crisis.
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“I want to send a hug to all the Brazilian people who saw me fight. I'm fine and stay calm. I just can't fight anymore, but I'm fine. This disease I don't even know the name of, but it's difficult. It’s for people to rest assured that I’m fine”, said Adilson, accompanied by his wife, Irani Pinheiro.
Owner of a successful record in the 'noble art', Maguila boasts a remarkable trajectory in boxing, with 77 victories in 85 fights over a 17-year career. Among all his battles, the Brazilian is proud of one confrontation in particular: the rematch against Argentine Walter Daniel Falconi, in 1986, when he beat the 'hermano' by knockout in the seventh round.
The triumph over Falconi, for the South American heavyweight belt, was not the greatest achievement in the legend's career. In his professional record, the fighter also has clashes against the renowned Evander Holyfield (1989) and George Foreman (1990). Even though he was defeated on both occasions, the records fill the veteran's fans with pride.
Today, Maguila is a patient at the Anjos de Deus Therapeutic Center, in the city of Itú (SP), where she has lived for five years. At 63 years old, the athlete lives a care routine to deal with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease with no cure, a consequence of the impacts suffered during his fighting days.
The fighter then spoke a little about his care and what he does on a daily basis. Watching old fights is among the former boxer's hobbies.
“I am treated very well. Here, you just eat, sleep and do nothing,” said the veteran. Asked if he still remembers boxing, the Brazilian didn't take long to respond. “I remember. I even have my tapes that I watch. I like the Falconi fight more, the rematch,” he said. Maguila then continued narrating the routine. “I go to the pool, I get in the pool, I do a few laps. Then I go back to the room. Here, my fun is the pool,” he said.
Finally, Adilson, together with his wife, tried to deny rumors that he was experiencing a financial crisis. The fighter assured that he is, in fact, fine and reassured his fans again.
“It’s all a lie. Maguilão is fine. Anyone who talks about me is jealous, because I'm doing really well. I am treated well, treated like a baby”, he concluded.
The favorite of boxing fans in Brazil, Maguila lives under observation 24 hours a day, according to his wife Irani. The intention is to give the legend the highest possible quality of life to face 'Dementia Pugilística' head on, which has no cure.
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