Pedro Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez, a Mexican super-bantamweight boxer, was found dead in his hotel room shortly after his fight in Phoenix, Arizona. The 37-year-old faced Phillip Vella on July 5 at the American Royal Palace in the “Brawl in Barrio” event, where he lost by unanimous decision.
Rodriguez was supposed to have dinner with fellow fighters but never arrived, and the next morning missed his airport pickup. Hotel staff checked his room and found him unresponsive. Officials are investigating the cause of death, with no immediate link to the fight established.
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His wife, Karla Valenzuela, shared that the last time they spoke was after the fight via video call. He told her he was going to get dinner and planned to return before their early morning flight. She suspects a fight-related injury but awaits the official report.
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Del Sol Boxing Promotions expressed their condolences and asked for privacy. Vella, who recently returned to boxing, posted a heartfelt message, thanking Rodriguez for the fight and sending thoughts to his family.
