Santiago Cardozo hospitalized after knockout at South American Games

Uruguayan boxer Santiago Cardozo was hospitalized following a knockout during the 65kg category final at the 2026 South American Games in Rafaela, Argentina. During the second round of his match against Brazil's Yuri Reis, Cardozo received a heavy left hook to the chin that left him incapacitated.

The referee stopped the bout, and Cardozo was removed from the ring on a stretcher. The Uruguayan Olympic Committee reported that the 18-year-old suffered a head trauma involving a brief loss of consciousness. He was transported to the Sanatorio Nosti for medical evaluation.

Initial imaging studies returned normal results, and Cardozo remained under medical observation. While the incident caused concern, Yuri Reis secured the gold medal, marking a successful performance for the Brazilian boxing team.