The super-bantamweight fighter, a native of Durango, had competed in a bout on Saturday evening in Phoenix, Arizona, at the American Royal Palace. The bout, dubbed the 'Brawl in the Barrio,' was sanctioned by the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission and arranged by Del Sol Boxing Promotions.
The 37-year-old fought Phillip Vela, known as the Sin City Sicilian, who held a 3-0 record going into the match and won via unanimous decision after six rounds on Saturday.
As reported by Marca, Rodriguez, an employee of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), returned to his hotel room post-fight with plans to join other fighters from the card for dinner.
However, he never made it to the hotel lobby. He was tragically found to have passed away on Sunday morning when hotel staff entered his room after he failed to show up for transport to the airport.
The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation by the police, with the cause yet to be determined. Arizona authorities have not released an official report on the cause of death, and it remains unknown whether there is any link to the fight or any pre-existing medical condition.
Karla Valenzuela, the boxer's wife, has courageously spoken out following the tragic event, speculating that a blow from the fight might have contributed to her husband's death.
After the fight, Rodriguez had a conversation with his wife, and later, he made a video call to her from his hotel. "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," she recalled.
"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."
Rodriguez's opponent, Vela, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late boxer on Instagram, saying as cited by Sports Central: "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 offered their condolences, stating: "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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