(NOV 24) Rita Figueroa said,  "I thank God everyday, and I am doing really good considering my friend Francisco Rodriguez suffered a similar injury and passed away yesterday following his brain surgery."

"I love boxing, always will, but I am no longer going to glove up to spar or compete. When I am able, I will be in the gym hitting the bag and stuff, that's for sure. Right now I am just going slow, taking walks, small things mean a great deal. I am looking forward to getting back to work and taking nice long Harley rides with my husband in the future. I am so thankful for everyone's prayers and good thoughts. I can not express my gratitude but to say THANKS! I am so blessed," added Figueroa.

There is a message in all of this. Although injuries like this are not common---it does happen and it can be devastating.   Rita is the perfect example of doing all the right things in preparation for her fight. With a decent record, proper training and a good fight plan.

I am sure...if she thought for one minute that this would happen, she would have not walked into this battle. Please remember, all fighters, to do the best you can to prepare properly and protect yourself by working your defensive skills.

 Photo/story on Foxsports.com

For all of us that know and love Rita, we too are grateful that she is on the road to recovery, and we mourn with her over the loss of her friend Francisco "El Nino Azteca" Rodriguez who passed away approximately 48 hours after his fight with Teon Kennedy Friday night November 20, 2009. Stay well Rita and our thoughts are with you!