The Mexican boxer Pedro Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez was found dead in his hotel room, a few hours after his last fight in Phoenix in Arizona.
The 37-year-old entered the ring to become his last duel on Saturday evening, adopting the American perspective of Phillip Vella in the scheduled six-signs of Super Bantamweight at the American Royal Palace.
Promoted by Del Sol’s boxing promotions and sanctioned by Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission, the event was settled as “Brawl in the Barrio”.
Rodriguez did not react
Rodriguez lost a competitive fight through a unanimous decision, but after the last bell he did not show external signs of injuries or medical care. Both warriors returned to their hotel rooms after the event, with plans to join others for dinner after a fight.
However, Rodriguez never arrived.
According to local reports, hotel employees increased when they did not check the next morning. After many connections without response to their room, employees entered to say that the boxer did not respond. Emergency services confirmed his death at the scene.
The authorities still have to determine the official cause of death. Apparently, investigators examine whether the fight could play a role in a sudden tragedy.
The wife believes that a blow in battle could play a role
The wife of Rodriguez, Karl Valenzuela, publicly talked about her last moments with her husband, revealing that they had a phone call soon after the fight.
“He called me when his fight was over,” she said. “He made a video conversation, told me that he was going to eat dinner and then he would return to the hotel. They were to leave at 3:30 to the airport. It was the last one I heard from him.”
Valenzuela said she was looking for an answer.
“I don’t know what really happened, but I think that maybe he had a blow to the fight. I’m also confused. We have to wait until tomorrow to see what the report says.”
Del Sol Boxing, opponent of Vella Pay Tribute
Del Sol Boxing Promotions expressed sadness in a cordial statement after the death of a warrior:
“Boxing family del Sol is broken after the death of Pedro Antonio Rodriguez. Our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones. Out of respect for his family, join us, waiting for the local authorities to finish their work and investigation.”
Rodriguez’s opponent, Phillip Vella, also made respect in social media:
“A really broken heart to find out about this message. Grateful for sharing the ring from Pedro for six rounds. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest, master.”
A respected Ring Guard
Rodriguez, whose professional record was 15-26-3, was widely considered to be a respected guard. Rodriguez has respect as an experienced warrior who tests growing prospects such as Vella.
Although this is never a title, Rodriguez’s career embodied the endurance and reliability in a demanding level of sport. Rodriguez has gained respect throughout Mexico and the United States for his professionalism, immunity and willingness to fight anyone anywhere.
Phillip Vella / Unbeaten life
In progress
Since the publication, the Maricopa Medical Examinator Office has not published the official cause of death. It is expected that the full report on autopsy and toxicology will determine whether the injury associated with the ring has contributed to the result.
WBN expands its deepest condolences to the family, friends and supporters of Pedro Antonio Rodriguez at this tough time.
About the author
Phil Jay He is an experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How The editor -in -chief of World Boxing News since 2010Jay conducted interviews with dozens of world champions and reported the ring to the largest boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] And find out more about his work in combat sports journalism.
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Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis will meet tonight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where two undefeated world champions will fight for the WBO and WBA super welterweight titles.
Zayas is defending his WBO and first WBA title for the second time, while Ennis is moving up from welterweight in a bid to become a two-weight ruler.
World Boxing News brings you live scores and updates from Brooklyn throughout the evening.
Live scorecards:
• Jahi Tucker vs. Euri Cedeno
• Emiliano Vargas vs. Bryce Mills
• Ben Whittaker vs. Richard Rivera
• Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis (including round-by-round)
Scores by Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis
Times are local – ET
00:11
Jaron “Boots” Ennis defeated Xander Zayas in seven rounds to become the unified WBA and WBO super welterweight champion in Brooklyn.
Ennis dropped Zayas in the first round, then survived a dramatic rally in the third round in which the previously undefeated champion hurt him with several demanding shots.
The momentum dropped significantly in the fifth quarter when Ennis knocked out Zayas with a crushing uppercut.
After dominating the sixth puck, Ennis forced Zayas to kneel at the start of the seventh puck, prompting the referee to wave his hand and stop the fight.
22:43
Emiliano Vargas remained undefeated after stopping Bryce Mills in the fourth round after a dominant display in the shootout.
Vargas controlled most of the contest, although Mills had his moments in return. He won the first two rounds 10-9 before scoring a knockdown in the third and taking a frame 10-8.
The end came in the fourth period when Vargas dropped Mills twice to force a stoppage and seal an impressive TKO victory.
21:55
Ben Whittaker he defeated Richie Rivera with a crushing left hook in the second round after dropping “Popeye The Sailor Man” in the opening session.
Rivera has proven to be more than just routine work for the British lithe heavyweight, who now desperately needs a tougher test after another impressive stoppage win.
21:50
Ben Whittaker and Richie Rivera in the ring.
21:23
Jahi Tucker he achieved a majority decision victory over Euri Cedeno after ten rounds of competition, continuing his middleweight career.
Tucker took control early before Cedeno fought his way back into contention in the middle rounds. However, Tucker finished the fight as the stronger of the two, winning the final four rounds on the WBN card and securing a well-deserved verdict.
The official judges scored it 95-95, 97-93 and 98-92, giving Tucker the majority win. WBN cards 98-92.
20:53
A barnstorm is heating up for the first fight on the Pay Per View card between Jahi Tucker and Euri Cedeno.
19:56
Dennis Thompson defeated Edwin Rodriguez from Puerto Rico by split decision in a close fight. Thompson rose to a gripping challenge and earned the verdict after eight rounds.
The judges scored the fight 79-73 and 77-75 in his favor, while the third judge scored it 77-75 for Rodriguez.
The victory gave Thompson a 1-0 lead for Philadelphia over Puerto Rico.
19:43
Dennis Thompson and Edwin Rodriguez go toe-to-toe in their super bantamweight bout.
19:14
Quincey Williams they remained undefeated with a dominant 79-73 unanimous decision over the hard-wearing Jerome Baxter after eight rounds.
18:35
Quincey Williams 6-0 starts his fight against Jerome Baxter 8-1 in the welterweight division.
On the card too Juanma Lopez DeJesus it took just over two minutes to beat Alberto Motos.
Boxing in the match room
Announcement
Zayas and Ennis meet over twelve rounds for the WBO and WBA super welterweight world titles in one of the biggest fights of the year in boxing.
The undefeated champions will headline the highest level competition and boxing competition held at the Barclays Center under the jurisdiction of the Up-to-date York State Athletic Commission.
The main support will be Ben Whittaker’s defense of his WBC Silver lithe heavyweight title against Richard Rivera following his victory over Liam Cameron.
Undefeated Emiliano Vargas also returns against Bryce Mills, while Jahi Tucker and Euri Cedeno fight for the vacant IBF North American, WBC USA and WBO NABO middleweight titles.
Elsewhere on the card, Quincey Williams will face Jerome Baxter, Dennis Thompson will face Edwin Rodriguez and Juanma Lopez De Jesus will open the action against Alberto Motos.
Updates will be added below as the action unfolds in Brooklyn, with more live coverage on World Boxing News.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported in-ring performances. Read the full biography.
Oscar Collazo remained undefeated and won the WBO International flyweight title on Saturday night with a devastating two-round victory over Neider Valdez.
The unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine minimumweight champion improved to 15-0 with 12 knockouts after defeating Valdez three times before Mexico’s corner stopped the fight at 2:35 of the second round.
Making his final appearance at 112 pounds, Collazo showed his strength immediately transferred to the upper division, defeating Valdez from the opening bell at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.
The Puerto Rican striker repeatedly found a home for his left hand and left no doubt about the outcome before the fight was called off.
“I felt great at 112 pounds. I love this division. In fact, I want to stay here for a long time,” Collazo said.
Knockdowns
Collazo admitted that he had already called for the fight to be stopped.
“After the third knockdown I was basically saying, ‘Never again, never again’. It was the right decision for his safety. His corner was well checked.
Cris Esqueda | Golden Boy
The victory added another belt to Collazo’s collection and enhanced his growing reputation as one of boxing’s most invigorating champions in the lower weight division.
Looking ahead, Collazo has made it clear who he wants next.
“The fight with Ricardo Sandoval definitely interests me. I really want that fight. I’m ready for gigantic fights. I’m ready to make history. That’s the fight I want next.”
Sandoval currently holds the WBA flyweight title, making this one of the most attractive fights available if Collazo continues his climb in weight.
The event was broadcast live on DAZN and was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in partnership with Miguel Cotto Promotions.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported on ring performances. Read the full biography.
World Boxing News has archived the biggest boxing results from April 2026, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Conor Benn, Tenshin Nasukawa, Alycia Baumgardner, Ben Whittaker, Jarrell Miller and Skye Nicolson.
The month featured major action in the heavyweight division, title fights in multiple divisions, and several notable performances from emerging contenders and established world champions.
Below is the complete archive of WBN’s April 2026 boxing results, including links to fight reports, scorecards and live coverage where available.
April 29
Skye Nicolson defeated Mariah Turner UD
April 25
Jarrell Miller defeated Lenier Pero UD | Report and results
April 18
Ben Whittaker defeated Brian Sanchez KO1 | Scorecard and results
April 17
Alicja Baumgardner defeated Bo Mi Re Shin UD | Report and results
Lani Daniels defeated Shadasia Green TKO9 | Report
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