Mexican boxer, 37, found dead in hotel room hours after losing fight
Mexican boxer Pedro Antonio 'Tony' Rodriguez has died at the age of 37 after being found in his hotel room on Sunday morning. The super-bantamweight fighter had been defeated in a bout on Saturday evening.
Rodriguez, born in Durango, Mexico, fought in Phoenix, Arizona, over the weekend at the American Royal Palace. The clash, titled the 'Brawl in the Barrio,' was commissioned by the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission and organised by Del Sol Boxing Promotions.
The 37-year-old was fighting Phillip Vela, nicknamed the Sin City Sicilian, who was 3-0 heading into the bout and emerged victorious via unanimous decision after six rounds on Saturday.
According to Marca, Rodriguez, who worked at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), returned to his hotel room after the fight and had arranged to go out to dinner with other fighters from the card.
However, he never arrived at the hotel lobby. He was discovered having tragically passed away on Sunday morning when hotel staff entered his room after he wasn't present when transport arrived to take him to the airport.
Police are currently investigating the reasons for his passing, which are presently unclear. Arizona authorities have not issued an official report on the cause of death as of yet, nor has it been established if there is any connection to the fight or any pre-existing medical condition.
Karla Valenzuela, the fighter's wife, has bravely opened up after the tragic incident, suggesting that perhaps a blow from the fight could have caused her husband's death.
"He called me when his fight ended. Even when the show was over and he left for the hotel, he talked to me, he made a video call," she stated.
"He told me that he was going out to buy dinner and that he was coming back because at 3:30 in the morning, they were going to pick them up to take them to the airport, that was the only thing I talked to him about.
"I don't know what really happened: some kind of blow. I don't know what happened. I am also confused. We have to wait until tomorrow to see what the report says."
Vela, who fought Rodriguez just before his death, took to Instagram to post a touching tribute to the boxer, saying: "Truly heartbroken to find out this news.
"Thankful to have shared the ring with Pedro for six rounds. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest easy, champion."
Del Sol Boxing Promotions also paid their respects to Rodriguez, posting: "The Del Sol Boxing family is heartbroken at the death of Pedro Antonio Rodriguez.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones. Out of respect for his family, please join us in waiting for the local authorities to complete their work and investigation."
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