Rodriguez passed away in January 13, 2007 Lilly Rodriguez, a pioneering female boxer and world kickboxing champion who helped establish kickboxing as a sport for women, died January 13 of an infection. She was 59.

LILLY RODRIGUEZ  was a pioneering female boxer, and fought in the 70's.  We do not have a lot of accurate info on her boxing career, and is listed as 1-2 as a pro boxer, defeating Toni Lear Rodriguez, and losing twice to Lady Tyger Trimiar (any more fights, please contact WBAN with the info.)

 She made great strides and successes as a kickboxer, and came from a famous family that pioneered kickboxing.  She was a very talented fighter that could excite the crowd so much that they would literally throw money into the ring.  

photo credit:  Mary Ann Owen

Bridgett Riley told WBAN, "She was an awesome fighter in her day, and was a true pioneer in the sport."  Rodriguez trained Riley at one time, and other women boxers, including Karen Martin.

photo credit:  Mary Ann Owen

Some highlights of Rodriguez' career included being one of the first women to fight on the All-women boxing card in California on July 13, 1979.  She also can be credited for fighting at the infamous Madison Square Garden  where the  ABC Wide World of Sports covered the even in kickboxing.    She fought at the Grand Olympic Auditorium, where she fought on cards that included such great legends as Alexis Arguello, and many more.  Rodriguez  has remained in the limelight, by recently appearing on the show -  20/20, and was featured on a   television show in California.   Rodriguez' accomplishes are widespread in her family.  Her brother is the famous, Benny "The Jet" Uquidez, who has a tremendous amount of movies under his belt, stunt coordinating, and training other famous athletes.

Article/ WBAN Affiliated website -  "Lilly Rodriguez: Much More than a Great Fighter"   by Helga Risoy
www.wbanmember.com/lilly-rodriguez-much-more-than-a-great-fighter-by-helga-risoy/