Mexican boxer Pedro Antonio Rodriguez found dead in hotel room
The super-bantamweight fighter was found dead in his hotel room on Sunday morning, just a day after his match against Phillip Vela, which was part of the "Brawl in the Barrio" event. The fight, sanctioned by the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission and organized by Del Sol Boxing Promotions, took place on Saturday evening at the American Royal Palace in Phoenix.
Rodriguez, who had a 15-26 record going into the bout, was up against Vela, a younger and undefeated fighter with a 3-0 record. Vela won the six-round fight by unanimous decision, extending his record to 4-0. After the match, Rodriguez returned to his hotel room and planned to go out for dinner with fellow fighters, according to reports from Spanish outlet Marca. However, he never made it to the hotel lobby. Staff entered his room on Sunday morning after he failed to show up for transport to the airport, where he was scheduled to depart.
The cause of Rodriguez's death is currently unclear, and the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. No official link has been made between his passing and the fight, and authorities have not released any details regarding a pre-existing medical condition.
Rodriguez's wife, Karla Valenzuela, spoke out after the tragedy, expressing her confusion and concern. She explained that her husband had called her after the fight, and during their conversation, he told her he was going out to buy dinner before returning to the hotel. "I don't know what really happened—some kind of blow. I don't know what happened. I am also confused," Valenzuela said, adding that they were awaiting the official report for answers.
Vela, Rodriguez's opponent, expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, "Truly heartbroken to find out this news. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
-Instagram.
Del Sol Boxing Promotions also shared their condolences, stating, "Our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones. Please join us in waiting for the local authorities to complete their work and investigation."
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