In the USA, a boxer died several hours after a fight

Mexican boxer Pedro Antonio "Tony" Rodriguez died just a few hours after his last professional fight in Phoenix, Arizona. The tragedy occurred on the night from Saturday to Sunday, shocking the entire boxing world, as reported by the Spanish newspaper Marca.

The 37-year-old ring veteran had his last fight against promising American boxer Phillip Vella as part of the "Fight in Barrio" tournament. The bout in the weight category up to 55.22 kg lasted all six scheduled rounds and ended with a unanimous decision in favor of the American.

According to the Spanish publication Marca, after the fight, Rodriguez returned to his hotel room and planned to join other tournament participants for dinner, but never appeared at the restaurant. The next morning, hotel staff found the boxer dead in his room when he did not come out to the transport that had arrived to take the athlete to the airport.

Rodriguez's wife told journalists about her last conversation with her husband: "He called me after the fight. We were talking via video call when he was already at the hotel. He said he was going out to buy dinner and come back because they were supposed to pick them up early in the morning for the airport. That was our last conversation. I don't know what actually happened... possibly some kind of blow. I am completely confused."

Phillip Vella, Rodriguez's last opponent, expressed his condolences on social media: "Truly devastated to learn this news. Grateful for the opportunity to share the ring with Pedro for six rounds. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace, champion."

Pedro Antonio Rodriguez began his professional career in 2007 and over 18 years had 44 fights, winning 15 (7 by knockout), suffering 26 defeats, and drawing three matches. In addition to his sports career, he worked at the Mexican Social Security Institute.

Phoenix police are investigating the circumstances of the boxer's death. The official cause of the tragedy has not yet been established, nor has any possible connection to injuries sustained in the fight.