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| Francisco Rodriguez (CBS photo) |
Boxer's death to mean life for 8 awaiting transplants
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CHICAGO (CBS/AP) ― The death of pro-boxer Francisco Rodriguez is a tragedy among fellow pugilists, but in death, he has also saved the lives of an uncle and at least seven others.
Rodriguez, known as Paco for short, died Sunday night, two days after collapsing in the ring during a bout in Philadelphia.
Francisco Rodriguez was well-known in Chicago Park District circles. The Garfield Park Field House on the West Side was one of his training homes.
Rodriguez's uncle had been awaiting a kidney transplant, and Rodriguez's family has found out that he and his uncle are a match, brother Alex Rodriguez said in a news release.
"So although we've tragically lost Paco, we're able to give this incredible gift of life to another family member," Alex Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez's family members met a representative of the Gift to Life donor program after Rodriguez's death, and the family decided to donate his organs. At least eight people will benefit, the family said.
"My daughter was born with just one kidney and thank God she's beautiful and healthy," Alex Rodriguez continued. "But, God forbid, she ever needs a transplant. I'm absolutely sure that Paco, in a heartbeat, would have offered her his kidney."
To Chicago boxing fans, Rodriguez was known "El Niño Azteca." His story -- the kid who came from a family of boxers up through the ranks and went pro -- inspired other adults and kids at the Garfield Park Field House gym.
Rodriguez was 14-2 going into the bout in Philadelphia Friday against Teon Kennedy for the vacant USBA super bantamweight title. Rodriguez was a national Golden Gloves champion in 2001.
Trainer George Hernandez said that in Philadelphia on Friday, Rodriguez took several blows to the head. He said a doctor checked him out, and Rodriguez told the physician he was 'OK.'
The fight went on, but in the 10th round, Rodriguez became weak.
They called for help, but Rodriguez was in bad shape. Promoter Dominic Pesoli said bleeding on the brain was what ultimately killed the 25 year old.
Rodriguez's boxing family has started a fund for Rodriguez's wife and child. If you'd like to donate, here's the information:
Francisco Rodriguez Fund
c/o National Republic Bank of Chicago
1201 W. Harrison St.
Chicago, IL, 60607
312-738-4900
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Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS contributed to this report.
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