By Kurt Wolfheimer

We are sad to report that USBA Super Bantamweight challenger Francisco Rodriguez has passed on Sunday night at Hahnemann University Hospital. The 25-year-old Rodriquez fought a give and take epic fight with Teon Kennedy at the Legendary Blue Horizon on Friday night. The fight was waved off in the tenth round while Rodriquez was still on his feet. He was placed on a stool in corner, but within minutes he slumped over and lost consciousness as oxygen was applied. He was immediately rushed from the ring on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to Hahnemann University Hospital where emergency brain surgery was performed. Rodriguez never regained consciousness.

The Mexican-born Francisco Rodriguez, known as “El Nino Azteca,” had a heralded amateur career and was a multiple Chicago Golden Gloves champion. The Chicago based Rodriquez turned professional in 2005 and quickly became a local fan favorite.

“It is with heavy heart that we make this announcement,” said promoter Dominic Pesoli of 8 Count Productions. “Francisco was family to us and we all loved him very much. He was very popular with fight fans in the Chicago and will be deeply missed.”

Continued Pesoli, “I’d like to thank boxing fans across the country for their calls of concerns these last two days. It’s meant a great deal to us as we awaited word on his condition.”

Details and funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.