Boxer's Death Creates Life For Others

Fighter Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez died from a brain injury suffered during a 10-round match last Friday, but his donated organs saved the lives of eight people, including his own uncle, who was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Rodriguez collapsed shortly after his super bantamweight title fight at Philadelphia's famous Blue Horizon boxing hall was stopped at the end of the 10th round. He was rushed to a hospital for brain surgery, but never regained consciousness and died on Sunday night. The very small silver lining to his story is that he was able to donate so many of his organs to those in need.

"My brother was so strong and healthy," Alex 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?"

I don't know if this story is supposed to make you feel good about humanity or terrible, but there it is. Rodriguez (14-3-1, 8 KOs) was a five-time Chicago Golden Gloves Champion, who had beaten Kennedy once as an amateur. He is survived by a wife and five-month-old daughter.

Fallen boxer Francisco Rodriguez's gift: Organs will help eight people [ESPN Chicago] Fighter Copes With Opponent's Death [Fanhouse]