Boxer, 50, remains in a coma

CANYONVILLE, Ore. – A 50-year-old woman who collapsed following her professional boxing debut remained in a coma at the Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene.

Linda Shampang of Leaburg was badly beaten by Jenny Houts, 36, of Portland, in a match Thursday at the Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort in Canyonville.

The 5-foot-2-inch, 125-pound Shampang smiled and signed autographs after her third-round defeat to the younger, taller fighter. But later, in her hotel room, Shampang complained of a severe headache, then vomited and collapsed, according to family members.

Shampang, who underwent surgery to relieve swelling in her brain, has not opened her eyes since collapsing, said Jim Angel, Shampang’s brother-in-law.

Angel told the Register-Guard of Eugene that, although Shampang hasn’t awakened, “She’s doing very well, she’s still responsive, she’ll move her toes. She’s just really tired.”

Family members, including her husband, daughters, sisters and brother remain at the hospital with her, he said.

“People are praying for her all over the United States; they’ve got a prayer chain in Hawaii praying for her,” Angel said.

“She’s one of God’s special people.”

Shampang took up boxing two years ago, and received her license from the Oregon State Boxing and Wrestling Commission last fall.

Shampang had been set in late March to fight a woman half her age, who had the experience of eight pro bouts in Idaho, before the fight was canceled.

Shampang’s trainer, Kip Triplett of Creswell, had been scrambling to find her a fight. Thursday’s bout also was Houts’ first professional fight, and Triplett said it was not a mismatch.

Those who know Shampang said she was aware of the risks, and that she’d do it all over again.

But her boxing days are over, and she won’t fight again, Triplett said.

“No,” he said. “I wouldn’t let her.”