*Rodriguez passed away in January of 2007

LILLY RODRIGUEZ  was one of the most versatile featherweights in women's boxing in the 70's and early 80's.She had already 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.         

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.

Rodriguez has fought such greats as Lucia Rijker, Lady Tyger Trimiar, and World featherweight champion Toni Lear Rodriguez, who she defeated easily.     

 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 event.    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.

Rodriguez and her husband, "Blinky" shot a  short film on how they dealt with the loss of there 16-year-old son in a gang related drive-by shooting.  This tragic event planted a seed in the ground to ignite "Blinky's" passion to work relentlessly in stopping the killing of the gangs in the San Fernando Valley.  The two of them acted in the film as themselves and did an outstanding job. 

Past Rankings of Rodriguez:

#2 World Featherweight Division 1981-1983
 #3 World Featherweight Division 1984