A Mexican boxer has been found dead just hours after he lost a boxing match and was due to go to dinner.
Pedro Antonio 'Tony' Rodriguez was discovered dead in his Phoenix hotel room on Sunday morning. The 37-year-old super-bantamweight fighter had competed against Phillip Vella on Saturday evening at the American Royal Palace.
Hotel staff found Rodriguez after he failed to appear when transport arrived to take him to the airport. The Mexican fighter, who was from Durango and worked at the Mexican Social Security Institute, had been staying at the hotel following his bout at the event titled 'Brawl in the Barrio'.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, which remain unclear.
Pedro Antonio 'Tony' Rodriguez was found dead in the early hours of Sunday morning
His wife Karla Valenzuela spoke about their final conversation, saying: "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 revealed Rodriguez had told her about his evening plans: "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."
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Valenzuela expressed confusion about the circumstances, stating: "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 had fought in a six-round contest sanctioned by the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission and organised by Del Sol Boxing Promotions. He lost to Vella by unanimous decision in the Saturday evening bout.
Following the fight, Rodriguez returned to his hotel and had made arrangements to meet other fighters from the card for dinner. However, he never appeared in the hotel lobby that night as planned.
The discovery of his death came when staff entered his room on Sunday morning after he failed to meet his scheduled transport to the airport at 3:30am.
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Vella, who defeated Rodriguez hours before his death, posted a tribute on Instagram: "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 expressed their condolences: "The Del Sol Boxing family is heartbroken at the death of Pedro Antonio Rodriguez.
Competitors shared their condolences following the tragedy
"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."
Arizona authorities have not yet released an official report on the cause of death. There is currently no established link to the fight or any pre-existing medical condition.
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