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| Former Argentine boxer Alejandra "Locomotora" Oliveras has died |
A six-time world champion boxer, who described herself as a "female Rocky" has died at the age of 47 after suffering a stroke just two weeks ago
A six-time boxing world champion who described herself as “a female Rocky but for real” has died aged just 47 a fortnight after suffering a stroke.
Medics at a hospital in the Argentinian city of Santa Fe where Alejandra Oliveras had been admitted on July 14 confirmed the sad news overnight. Three days of mourning have been declared in the province of Santa Fe, where Alejandra moved into politics after hanging up her gloves in 2017.
Argentinian president Javier Milei, whose right-wing politics the former boxer championed, was among those who paid tribute to her.
Referencing Alejandra by her famous nickname La Locomotora which in English translates as Locomotive, he said alongside a photo of them together: “Goodbye Locomotora. Always on the correct side, rest in peace.”
Alejandra competed from 2006 to 2015, gaining a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with different world titles in different categories and federations.
She won six world titles, including the WBC female super bantamweight title from 2006 to 2008; the WBA female lightweight title from 2011 to 2012; the WBO female featherweight title from 2012 to 2013; and the WBC super lightweight title from 2013 to 2014. She retired with 33 professional wins, two draws and three defeats.
During the Covid pandemic Oliveras, who had 1.6 million Instagram followers, intensified her philanthropic work by creating an organisation called Team Locomotora which engaged in social work and collected food to support soup kitchens.
She also gave low-income youngsters the chance to explore the sport she used to practice professionally by running several boxing schools.
Alejandra, a teenage mum who turned to boxing in her native north-west Argentinian province of Jujuy to escape poverty and domestic violence, switched her focus to politics in 2021 when she made a failed attempt to become an MP with right-wing party called UNITE.
In 2024 she was appointed to head up a programme designed to prevent violence in youth sport after joining the electoral team of a then-candidate to the Argentine presidency.
The stroke she suffered had left her paralysed on the left side of her body and medics at Santa Fe’s Jose Maria Cullen Hospital where she died had described her condition as “critical” when she was admitted.
One fan paying tribute to her online said late yesterday: “A born fighter and an example of motivation and persistence. She deserves a tribute and recognition as a national and world champion.”
Another said: “Fly high champ. You were authentic and genuine. A great warrior.”
The WBC said in a tribute, describing Alejandra as an inspiration to others: "She had a remarkable boxing career, becoming a multiple-time world champion.
"In May 2006, she knocked out Jackie Nava to become the WBC super bantamweight world champion—a title she successfully defended three times.
"She held the WBC featherweight world title from 2012 to 2013. That same year, she stopped Lely Luz Flores in seven rounds to capture the WBC super lightweight world championship. Alejandra retired from professional boxing in 2017.
"Outside the ring, she found a new way to inspire others. She built a community on social media where she shared motivational messages, especially aimed at women, people in vulnerable situations, and those who felt alone. Her words were often intertwined with boxing themes.
"At the World Boxing Council, we deeply mourn the loss of our champion. Her legacy will live on in our minds and hearts."
- Natalia Penza
