CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Francisco “Morochito” Rodríguez, the boxer who won Venezuela’s first Olympic gold medal, died Tuesday at age 78.
Venezuela’s Olympic Committee confirmed Rodriguez’ death on Wednesday on its social media channels but did not provide details. Local media reported he had been hospitalized in Caracas due to anemia.
At the Mexico City Olympics in 1968, Rodríguez won gold in the light flyweight division by beating South Korea’s Jee Yong-Ju in the final bout.
Rodríguez also won gold medals at the 1967 and 1971 Pan American Games.
Rodriguez was the second born of 14 children. He started boxing at age 11.
The second Venezuelan to win an Olympic gold medal was fencer Rubén Limardo at the London Olympics in 2012.
The body types that raise the risk of colon cancer
Interislander ferry upgrade: Finance Minister warns of cost blowout
'We can sue him': Chumbawamba on Winston Peters use of their song
Two bodies recovered as divers search river after ship hit Baltimore bridge
Queen Letizia of Spain shines in a smart tweed dress as she joins King Felipe in Madrid
Uber's 'shambolic' agreements with drivers highlights power imbalance
Crucial route in Northland reopens after truck crash
HK records 1st virus death, toll over 420
Ashley Roberts puts on a VERY cheeky display in a nude long
Coronavirus: Experts say the flu is more 'deadly'