
fightersxchange @fightersxchange
Pedro Rodriguez, a boxer, was found dead in a hotel room. His wife thinks he may have died from a blow in a fight.
Pedro Rodriguez, a boxer, was found dead in a hotel room. His wife thinks he may have died from a blow in a fight.
Hours after his last fight in Phoenix, Arizona, Mexican boxer Pedro Antonio "Tony" Rodriguez was found dead in his hotel room.
The 37-year-old got into the ring on Saturday night for what would be his last fight. He fought American prospect Phillip Vella in a scheduled six-round super bantamweight match at the American Royal Palace.
Del Sol Boxing Promotions put on the event, which was called "Brawl in the Barrio" and was sanctioned by the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission.
Rodriguez was not receptive
Rodriguez lost a difficult battle by unanimous decision, but after the final bell Forte, he didn't show any signs of injury or medical concern. After the bout, both combatants went back to their hotel rooms and planned to have dinner with other people.
Rodriguez, on the other hand, never showed up.
Local news sources say that hotel workers became worried when he didn't check out the next morning. After many calls to his room that went unanswered, staff went in and found the boxer lifeless. Emergency services confirmed that he had died at the site.
The official cause of death has not yet been found by the authorities. Reports say that investigators are looking into whether the fight may have had something to do with the abrupt tragedy.
Wife Thinks Blow in Fight Might Have Been Important
Karla Valenzuela, Rodriguez's wife, talked about her last moments with him in public. She said they had a video call right after the fight.
She remarked, "He called me after his fight." He called me on video and said he was going to supper and then coming back to the motel. They were supposed to leave for the airport at 3:30 a.m. That was the last time I heard from him.
Valenzuela said she was still looking for answers.
"I don't know what really happened, but I think a blow from the fight might have hurt him." I don't get it either. We can't find out what the report says until tomorrow.
Del Sol Boxing and opponent Vella pay tribute
Del Sol Boxing Promotions sent out a genuine message of sadness after the fighter died:
"The Del Sol Boxing family is sad about the death of Pedro Antonio Rodriguez." We are thinking of and praying for his loved ones. Please join us in waiting for the local authorities to finish their work and investigation out of respect for his family.
Phillip Vella, Rodriguez's opponent, also offered his regards on social media:
"I'm really heartbroken to hear this news." I'm glad I got to fight Pedro for six rounds. I'm sending my thoughts and prayers to his family. "Rest easy, champion."
Respected Gatekeeper of the Ring
Rodriguez was seen as a recognized gatekeeper with a professional record of 15 wins, 26 losses, and 3 draws. Rodriguez is respected as a veteran fighter who challenges up-and-coming fighters like Vella.
Rodriguez was never a title challenger, but his career showed how tough and dependable he was in the sport's tough middle division. Rodriguez was respected in both Mexico and the U.S. for being professional, tough, and prepared to fight anyone, anywhere.
Phillip Vella and Pedro Antono Rodriguez
Phillip Vella / Undefeated Life: The Investigation Is Still Going On
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet made an official statement about the cause of death. A comprehensive autopsy and toxicology report should show if trauma associated to the ring played a role in the result.
WBN sends its heartfelt sympathies to Pedro Antonio Rodriguez's family, friends, and supporters during this hard time.
