Former boxer was an economics commentator on the network’s program. Maguila passed away this Thursday (24), in São Paulo

SBT published a note of condolence about the death of former boxer Adilson Rodrigues dos Santos, known as Maguila, who died this Thursday (24) in São Paulo. The broadcaster mourned his death and highlighted the athlete’s participation in the broadcaster’s programs.

Maguila became an economics commentator on the station during the late news program Aqui e Agora. Dressed in a tuxedo and boxing gloves, he attracted attention with his irreverent humor and sincere comments.

“Maguila was present in several SBT attractions over the years, being very popular in the house’s productions, mainly for his friendliness when asking to ‘send hugs’ to his endless friends, brightening the station’s attractions”, said SBT in a statement.

The Brazilian Television System regrets the death of boxer José Adilson Rodrigues dos Santos, known as Maguila, at the age of 66, this morning (24).

Maguila was present in several SBT attractions over the years, being very popular in the house’s productions, mainly for his friendliness when asking to “send hugs” to his endless friends, brightening up the station’s attractions.

In 1991, he was present at the launch of the news program Aqui Agora, as an economics commentator, which was a great success due to the proximity with which he spoke to the viewer, talking about domestic economics in a simple and objective way. Through it, viewers knew everything from the price of food, to construction items and whether the bus fare would increase or not. Amusingly, he ended his comments with a punch between his hands, with boxing gloves, combined with his sumptuous outfit of suit and bow tie.

The board and friends of SBT wish that God comforts the hearts of Maguila’s family, certain that his trajectory in Brazilian sport and on TV will always be revered.

Cleaner in Aracaju. Bricklayer in São Paulo. Adilson Rodrigues became the most charismatic boxer in Brazilian boxing. Simple and spontaneous, Maguila – a nickname he received from his friends at work due to his resemblance to the character from a famous cartoon – gained space in the media and made his fights an unmissable event on Sundays. He suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy and had been hospitalized for 28 days.

In a short time, Maguila was champion of the traditional Forja dos Champions tournament and the Campeonato Paulista. In 1983, at the age of 25, he became a professional and after just three fights he was already national champion. Six more fights, now under the guidance of narrator Luciano do Valle’s company, came the South American belt.

In 2000, at the age of 42, the boxer hung up his gloves.

Since 2017, Maguila had been hospitalized with the so-called “boxer’s disease” at a clinic in Itu, in the interior of São Paulo. The former boxer died at the age of 66.