The Philippine boxing community is mourning the death of former world title contender Roberto “Toto” Landero, who drowned in his hometown in Negros Occidental.
His lifeless body was found dead on Wednesday morning after he was reported missing on Monday afternoon (July 4).
According to his manager and godfather Dante Almario, Landero was swept aboard a bamboo floater with his brother in Barangay Canlamay, while they were crossing a raging river amid heavy rains.
They were going back home after helping their father work at the family’s farm in a nearby barangay.
“Malungkot ko pong ipinababatid sa lahat na natagpuan na ang bangkay ng ating kasamang boxer, si Robert “Toto” Landero. Sa kasamaang palad, inanod po siya ng malakas na baha sa kanilang probinsya (Negros Occidental) noong Lunes ng hapon,” said Almario in his Facebook post.
“Si Toto po ay aking inaanak sa kasal, siya po ay napakabait at magaling na boxer…at lumaban po siya ng ilang beses sa world title fight. Rest in peace Toto,” continued Almario.
Landero, who was 26, fought and lost twice in his two world title attempts.
In March, 2018, he bowed to Thai Thammanoon Niyomtrong by a unanimous decision in the battle for the World Boxing Association world minimumweight title in Thailand.
Four months later, he tried but failed to cop the International Boxing Federation World minimumweight title, losing to hometown hero Simpiwe Konkco in South Africa.
Landero’s last appearance in the ring was on June 17 in Mandaue City, where he lost to Christian Araneta in a 10-round non-title light-flyweight bout. His boxing career record ended with 11 wins, 8 losses and two draws.
He left behind his wife Rhe Ann Landero and three children. Almario told Fightnews Asia that he will raise funds for Landero’s family.
