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.
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Türkiye's opposition takes election lead in key cities
UN court orders Israel to allow unhindered aid to Gaza
In North Macedonia, two inmates walked out of hospital. Now, police are accused of helping them
England cricket great Derek Underwood dies at age 78
Fighter jets fire at targets in live
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Israel prepared for Iranian retaliation in coordination with US: Military chief
Ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse has been refloated
Prabowo Subianto wins 2024 Indonesian presidential election