Career
This is about a Mexican boxer. Francisco "Paco" Rodríguez (June 15, 1984, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 22, 2009) was a Mexican professional boxer in Super Bantamweight division. Rodríguez became a professional boxer in January 2005.
Known as "El Nino Azteca", Rodríguez was a fan favorite, especially in the Chicago, Illinois area.
Death
Rodríguez died at the age of 25 after losing a bout against undefeated prospect Teon Kennedy. After the match referee stopped the fight in the 10th round, Rodríguez immediately collapsed, losing consciousness while waiting for an official decision.
He was rushed to a hospital for emergency brain surgery and died 2 days later. Rodriguez was 14-2 going into the bout against Kennedy for the vacant USBA Super Bantamweight title.
Legacy/New After Paco"s death, his family was asked by Gift of Life donor program to donate his organs, including both kidneys, pancreas, lungs, and his heart.
Other recipients included Ashley Owens, Alexis Sloan, and Meagan Kingsley. They had the opportunity to meet Paco"s family. Paco"s wife Sonia told them, "it"s a shame that he"s not here, but what happened didn"t happen in vain.
You guys..it was meant to happen, for you guys to receive this gift.
So, you know, enjoy it to the fullest just like he did when he had it all.".
