Boxing star, 21, found dead wrapped in blanket as major investigation launched

Mexican boxing has been left in shock after the body of rising star Jesus Ivan Mercado Cabrera was found next to a road. The 21-year-old, considered one of the country's top prospects, was discovered wrapped in a blanket and tape in a desert area near the border between the states of Sonora and Baja California, just south of the US border.

Mercado Cabrera had been reported missing before his body was found following reports of a suspicious package near a road. He was identified by his distinctive tattoos. Despite no signs of physical violence on his body, local media reports that police suspect he was murdered.

A statement from a group in San Luis Rio Colorado, which had been searching for Mercado Cabrera, confirmed the tragic news. It read: "Family located. The young man who was found dead has been identified by his relatives, who will begin the necessary procedures to give him a Christian and dignified burial. RIP Jesus Ivan Mercado Cabrera.

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"We thank everyone who took the time to react and share our post. Thanks to everyone, he will return to his loved ones. Thank you for your support in sharing and showing empathy for the suffering of others."

Despite a less-than-stellar professional record of seven wins, nine losses and one draw from his 17 professional fights, there were high hopes for Mercado Cabrera's future in the sport.

Known as 'Rafaguita' and originally hailing from Nogales, Mercado Cabrera had recently relocated to San Luis Rio Colorado to advance his career. Heartbroken fans have flooded social media with tributes to the young fighter. One mourner wrote: "Rest in power young king." Another added: "May you rest, fierce warrior, champ."

The news of Mercado Cabrera's death adds to a tragic week for the sport following the passing of former world champion Ricky Hatton, who was found dead on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

The passing of the 46-year-old, one of Britain's most beloved boxers of all time, has sparked a wave of tributes from across the sporting world. A family statement released via Hatton's Instagram account on Wednesday said: "We are all distraught at the events of recent days. To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.

"He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.

"He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.

"Richard had spoken to his family and his team in the days and weeks before the weekend. He had dinner with his girls on Friday night, and Richard was not alone in life or in the days before the weekend.

"We are all in shock at the events that unfolded over the weekend. Richard was found by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who we are supporting at this time along with Richard's parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family."