BOXER Pedro Antonio ‘Tony’ Rodriguez was found dead in his hotel room on Sunday morning aged 37.
The Mexcian super-bantamweight fighter was beaten by Phillip Vella in a bout in the US 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.
Rodrigue, who worked at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), lost by unanimous decision after six rounds.
According to Marca, Rodriguez returned to his hotel room after the fight and had arranged to go out to dinner with other fighters from the card.
But he never arrived at the hotel lobby that night.
He was discovered having tragically passed away on Sunday morning when hotel staff entered his room.
Staff members were prompted to enter 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 unclear.
His wife Karla Valenzuea has bravely opened up about her husband’s tragic passing.
She said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Arizona authorities have not issued an official report on the cause of death and there is no established connection to the fight or any pre-existing medical condition.
Vela, who fought Rodriguez just hours before his death, took to Instagram to post a touching tribute to the boxer.
It read: “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.”
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
