24 November,2009 11:36 AM IST | | Agencies
Francisco Rodriguez, a Mexican-born boxer who made his base in Chicago, died aged 25 after a bout in Philadelphia, promoter Dominic Pesoli confirmed.
Pesoli said Rodriguez died after losing a US Boxing Association super bantamweight title bout on Friday against Teon Kennedy.
Philadelphia promoter J Russell Peltz said Rodriguez began to lose consciousness as the Chicago boxer sat in his corner after the brutal fight was stopped in the 10th round.
Rodriguez was taken to hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery, but never regained consciousness.
Rodriguez was 14-2 going into the bout against Kennedy for the vacant USBA super bantamweight belt.
Rodriguez, known as 'El Nino Azteca,' had an outstanding amateur career and was a multiple Chicago Golden Gloves champion and a national Golden Gloves champion in 2001.
He turned professional in 2005 and was a local fan favorite in his adopted city.
"It is with heavy heart that we make this announcement," Pesoli said. "Francisco was family to us and we all loved him very much."
