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.
11 Republican "fake electors" indicted for falsely declaring Trump won Arizona
Apps simplify expense steps for foreign users
Torch Relay of 19th Asian Games Continues in Quzhou, E China
Closing Ceremony of 31st FISU Summer World University Games Held in Chengdu
RFK Jr says he loves his family ‘either way’ after relatives endorse Biden
Across China: Young Chinese Couples Go Retro, Announcing Marriages in Newspapers
China Post Issues Commemorative Stamp to Mark 10th Anniversary of BRI
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
China Celebrates National Day with Jubilation and Hope
German leader says Europe must keep increasing aid to Ukraine after US approves new military help
11th Straits Youth Day Marked in Fuzhou