Boxing promoter Dominic Pesoli says Francisco Rodriguez died Sunday night after losing a USBA super bantamweight bout Friday night against Teon Kennedy.
Philadelphia promoter J. Russell Peltz says Rodriguez began to lose consciousness as the Chicago boxer sat in his corner after the fight was stopped in the 10th round.
At the time , Rodridguez was upset that the fight was stopped.
And ringside physician, Dr. Jonathan Levyn, says the 25 year old fighter seemed beat up, but okay.
"Everybody, his handlers, his trainers, myself, were able to talk to him and he answered us. And, like most fighters, he wanted to go on," said Levyn.
Rodriguez, 25, was taken to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery.
Rodriguez was 14-2 going into the bout against Kennedy for the vacant USBA super bantamweight title. Rodriguez was a national Golden Gloves champion in 2001.
Pesoli, president of 8 Count Productions, says a fund is being set up for Rodriguez's wife and infant daughter.
Action News spoke with Kennedy's father, Ernest, who said his son is taking this one day at a time.
"So far so good. I just talked to him, let him know how the situation is, comfort him," Kennedy said.
Meanwhile, he had a message for the Rodriguez family.
"They'll always be with me for life. The Kennedys and the Rodriguez's? Like family now," he said. "We'll never forget it."
A fund has been established to assist Rodriguez' family. Donations can be sen to:
The Francisco Rodriguez Fund
C/O National Republic Bank of Chicago
1201 W. Harrison St
Chicago, IL 60607
312-738-4900
You can also make your donation to Rodriguez family fund by making a deposit at any Chase Bank in America. The fund account is #: 707331062
