MANILA Standard columnist and sportswriter Ronnie Nathanielsz passed away on Saturday at the age of 81.
Nathanielsz, who was also a sports analyst and broadcaster, died in San Francisco, California early Saturday due to heart attack.
Nathanielsz was scheduled to be part of a TV broadcast panel to cover Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Jessie Vargas on Nov. 6 (Manila time). However, while on his way to Las Vegas to cover the fight, he complained of chest pains and was taken to the hospital, where he was given life support for cardiac arrest.
Nathanielz’s remains will be flown to Manila after his funeral service is arranged.
Nathanielsz rose to prominence when he was named liaison officer during Muhammad Ali’s visit to the Philippines in 1975 for the “Thrilla in Manila.”
His Manila Standard column had the title Inside Sports, describing his scoops on various sports topics, particularly boxing.