Pro Fight Dispute Triggers Murder

A group of Hispanic immigrants duked it out in Jackson Heights last week over the results of a professional boxing match but the Queens "loser" tragically lost his life.
The alleged murder took place after an argument erupted following the group’s argument over the results of the championship fight last weekend between Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad. De La Hoya is a Mexican-American and Trinidad is Puerto Rican.
Police said that 32-year-old Mario Bravo was stabbed to death after the dispute with Mexican immigrants who were walking down 32 Ave near 87 St. in Jackson Heights after heatedly arguing among themselves about the officiating of the boxing match.
They then asked the opinion of Bravo as he was helping his wife, 11-year-old daughter and two dogs into a car for the trip back to their home in Manhattan.
Bravo told the men he thought the contest was fair and that Trinidad had won. He also made a disparaging remark about De La Hoya, according to District Attorney Richard Brown’s office.
Then what turned into an argument over a pro fight quickly turned to murder, police said.
The incident resulted in the arrest of 20-year-old Felipe Perez, accused of the stabbing. The four other suspects were charged with gang assault. The foursome included David Ruiz, 16, and his brother Freddy Ruiz, 19; Pablo Rios, 24, and Elidosdoro Aviles, 20. They all lived in the same building at 37-44 103 St., Jackson Heights.
Neighbors said the Ruiz brothers are from Mexico and Rios and Aviles are Puerto Rican. One of the neighbors, Luisa Balleslyeros, 54, said her husband, Roberto, witnessed the stabbing and then called her out to try to help Bravo.