Mexican boxer Pedro Antonio "Tony" Rodriguez has died just hours after losing a fight on Saturday evening.
Rodriguez, 37, faced 21-year-old boxer Phillip Vela in Phoenix, Arizona, in a duel dubbed “Brawl in the Barrio.” He was not the favorite in this fight, while Vela, undefeated, won the fight by unanimous decision after six rounds.
After the game, Rodriguez returned to his hotel and planned to go out for dinner. But on Sunday morning, hotel staff found him dead in his room after he failed to show up for a shuttle to the airport. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, and police are investigating whether it was related to the blows he received during the game.
His wife said:
"He called me as soon as the game was over. He also made a video call from the hotel. He told me he was going out to buy dinner and would be back because they were going to pick him up at the airport at 3:30 in the morning. That was the last time we spoke. I don't know what happened. I'm confused. We have to wait for the official report."
Meanwhile, Vela reacted with a touching message on social media:
"I am deeply saddened. Thank you for sharing the ring for six rounds. My prayers are with your family. Rest in peace, champion."
edition
t7 live
