Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Fallen boxer donates organs

The family of junior featherweight boxer Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez announced the donation of multiple organs from the fallen fighter, including a kidney to his uncle.

Two days after Rodriguez was knocked out by Teon Kennedy in the 10th round at the Blue Horizon, he died from a brain injury suffered in the bout.

Rodriguez's organs were donated through the "Gift of Life" donor program, his brother Alex Rodriguez said in a statement.

"My brother was so strong and healthy," Rodriguez said. "His heart and lungs were in perfect condition. It would have been a terrible waste not to share his life with others. How could we not help another family? My daughter was born with just one kidney, and thank God she's beautiful and healthy. But, God forbid, she ever needs a transplant. ... I'm absolutely sure that Paco, in a heartbeat, would have offered her his kidney. My brother was and always will be 'The People's Champ.' Now he's a hero too."

Rodriguez (14-3-1, 8 KOs), who was 25, was rushed into brain surgery at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia after the fight on Friday but never regained consciousness.

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