Exactly 18 years today, Junior lightweight Bobby Tomasello died following injuries suffered in his bout with Steve Dotse of Ghana during ESPNs "Friday Night Fights."

Tomasello, 25, fought Dotse to a draw in his first 10-round fight and first televised bout, then collapsed in his dressing room. He was taken to a hospital where he never awoke from a coma.

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The fighter's family today released a statement thanking doctors and staff in the neurosurgery department of the New England Medical Center and also those in the boxing community for their support.

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A native of Massachusetts, Tomasello was born as Robert Benson but he fought under the same pro name as his father. He was 14-0-1 with eight knockouts.