Tragic Loss of Mexican Boxer Pedro Antonio ‘Tony’ Rodriguez After Phoenix Fight
Enet
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mexican super-bantamweight boxer Pedro Antonio ‘Tony’ Rodriguez, aged 37, was found dead in his hotel room in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday morning, July 6, 2025, just hours after competing in a boxing match.
The fight, part of the “Brawl in the Barrio” event at the American Royal Palace, was sanctioned by the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission and organized by Del Sol Boxing Promotions. Rodriguez faced undefeated 21-year-old American boxer Phillip Vela, who won the six-round bout by unanimous decision, advancing his record to 4-0.
Rodriguez, born in Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico, returned to his hotel after the fight, reportedly planning to join fellow boxers for dinner. According to reports, he failed to meet his peers in the hotel lobby and missed scheduled transportation to the airport. Hotel staff discovered his body the following morning after entering his room due to his absence.
The cause of Rodriguez’s death remains under investigation by Arizona authorities, with no official statement yet released. Autopsy results are pending to determine whether the incident is linked to the boxing match or other factors, such as pre-existing medical conditions. No evidence of foul play has been reported.
Rodriguez’s wife shared her grief and confusion, noting that she spoke with him via video call after the fight. “He told me he was going out to buy dinner and would return because they were being picked up at 3:30 a.m. for the airport,” she said. “I don’t know what happened… maybe some kind of blow. We’re waiting for the report.”
A journeyman boxer with a career spanning since 2007, Rodriguez had a record of 15 wins and 26 losses across 45 professional fights, enduring 208 rounds in the ring. Beyond boxing, he served as an employee of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in La Comarca Lagunera.
The boxing community has been deeply shaken by Rodriguez’s passing. Phillip Vela, his opponent, expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “Truly heartbroken to hear this news.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” Del Sol Boxing Promotions also issued a statement: “The Del Sol Boxing family is heartbroken at the death of Pedro Antonio Rodriguez. Our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones. Please join us in waiting for the local authorities to complete their investigation.”
Rodriguez’s death has sparked widespread condolences across social media, particularly within the Mexican boxing community, where fans and fellow fighters mourn the loss of a dedicated athlete. As the investigation continues, the boxing world reflects on the risks athletes face and the need for enhanced safety measures in the sport.
For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss.
