Lightweight contender Felix Verdejo is facing the death penalty for his involvement in the killing of Keishla Rodriguez and her unborn child.

Verdejo is reported to have been having an affair with Rodriguez, allegedly punching the victim, injected her with a syringe full of a substance bought from a drug store, tied her to a concrete block, threw her off a bridge and then shot at her with a pistol.

Police have seized Verdejo’s Dodge Durango whilst a search is warranted for the boxers phone and text records. Authorities also have an informant who is providing substantial evidence.

Top Rank, Verdejo’s promoter, issued the following statement: “Top Rank’s thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Keishla Marlen Rodriguez Ortiz, and with the entire Puerto Rican people at this time of mourning. We are deeply disturbed by the news reports, and we will continue to monitor developments in the case as it progresses.”