The family of a Chicago-born boxer who died after a match in Philadelphia has donated his kidney to an ailing relative and other organs to at least seven other people, relatives said today.
Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez, known in boxing circles as "El Niño Azteka," fainted Friday night following a bout versus Teon Kennedy for the USBA super bantamweight title. He later fell into a coma and died two days later.
As they received mourners in the family's Logan Square home, relatives said Rodriguez had expressed his desire to donate organs if he were ever in an accident.
Alex Rodriguez, the boxer's brother, said the fighter's peak physical condition made him a natural decision to share his organs with those in need.
"One of Francisco's heartbeats is as strong as any person's three heartbeats. A doctor told me that," Rodriguez said. "Francisco will still walk the face of this earth in others."
The recipient relative, a cousin of Rodriguez's mother, had been in declining health and was receiving dialysis treatment. The family declined to identify the relative but said he lives in the Chicago area. (A previous version of this story incorrectly referred to the relative as an uncle.)
In addition, Rodriguez's other organs were donated to at least seven other people, relatives said.
Rodriguez, 25, is survived by his wife, Sonia, and a 5-month-old daughter, Ginette. He was considered a rising star in Chicago's boxing community, having won a national Golden Gloves championship at age 17, five local titles and a spot in the 2004 U.S. Olympic trials.
Family members have opened an account at all Chase banks in Rodriguez's name. More details are available on the family's Web site.
-- Oscar Avila
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Hi, thanks for this great article, a truly great beginning to the 2010, keep up the wonderful work, Cheryl.
Wow thats a great story!