While it’s not the biggest story on ESPN.com this morning (thanks to Favre-watch Day 142) it is there. Here in San Antonio it’s Front page news.
Hometown fighter Oscar Diaz stepped into the ring last night at Municiple Auditorium against Delvin Rodriguez to battle for the Untied States Boxing Association crown. He stepped in, but he was carried out. We know, we saw it live and in person. JP and myself were there.
Diaz and Rodriguez put on the show of the night for 10 rounds. Each fighter landed some crushing blows but as the round numbers got higher in became obvious that Diaz could only win the fight by KO. Even with that being the case though Diaz was relaxed and never really seemed to be pressing. His eyes were swollen shut but he stood toe to toe with the taller, longer-reaching Rodriguez. As the 10th round came to an end Diaz gave a hop step and crached his gloves together, as if to show a little frustration; maybe even a resolve to put his opponet away in the next 2 rounds. He wouldn’t get the chance.
As the whistle blew for fighters to come back to center-ring for round 11 Diaz stood, swayed and fell to the mat. TKO-Rodriguez, but that wasn’t important to anyone in the building anymore. Perimedics rushed to Diaz. At this point I’ve read that ESPN2 who was broadcasting cut away. Perimedics rolled a unresponsive, but breathing Diaz onto a backboard begin to remove him from the ring. A quieted crowd watched it all. One woman yelled out, “We love you, Oscar.” as a sob broke her voice. Devin Rodriguez addressed the crowd asking for prayers for his opponet. Oscar was carried up through the crowd of 1,200 or so (most of which were still frozen in place)
In the early hours of the morning Diaz recieved surgery to release pressure from a badly swollen brain. But there was no bleeding. I’m told thats a very postitive sign. Doctors are not willing to estimate whether Diaz will have any permenant brian damage, which means it’s possible.
Pray (if that’s your thing) for Oscar and his family. But don’t forget Devin Rodriguez. This will most likely be one of those fights that changes two careers forever.