Mexican super-bantamweight fighter Pedro Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez was found dead in his hotel room—just hours after suffering a loss in the ring.
Rodriguez, 37, had faced Phillip Vella at the “Brawl in the Barrio” event in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, July 6.
The six-round bout ended in a unanimous decision against him.
After the match, he returned to his hotel, reportedly planning to grab dinner before resting ahead of his early morning flight.
His wife, Karla Valenzuela, recalled their final conversation via video call.
“He called me when his fight ended… He told me he was going out to buy dinner and that he would be back because they were being picked up at 3:30 am to head to the airport,” she said.
“I don’t know what really happened… We have to wait until tomorrow to see what the report says.”
Concerns were raised when Rodriguez failed to show up for his airport shuttle.
Hotel staff who entered his room discovered him unresponsive.
The exact cause of death is still unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation. It is not yet clear whether the fight played a role in his passing.
Fellow fighter Phillip Vella, visibly shaken by the news, expressed heartbreak over the loss.
Promoters Del Sol Boxing also issued a statement, urging the public to refrain from speculation as the family grieves and investigations continue.
