Historic boxing world champion who broke record with six titles dies aged 47

The boxing world is in mourning following the death of Argentinian legend Alejandra 'La Locomotora' Oliveras. The former world champion had been hospitalised for a fortnight after suffering a stroke and sadly passed away on Monday, July 28, at the age of 47.

Oliveras was a trailblazer in women's boxing. She was the first woman to clinch six world titles across five weight divisions, making her an icon not just in Latin America but globally.

Born in El Carmen, Jujuy, in 1978, Oliveras used her tough upbringing as fuel to carve out a successful life. She stepped into the ring for the first time in 2005 and made history the following year by becoming the first Argentine woman to win a world title abroad when she defeated Jackie Navas in Mexico.

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Oliveras continued to make waves in the sport, securing titles in the super bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight, and super featherweight divisions. Her remarkable achievements earned her two Guinness World Records and a place in the Latin American Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024.

Despite being born in a tiny village near Rio IV, Cordoba, where she endured bullying as a child, Oliveras showed resilience. Becoming a mother at just 15, her dream of starting a family soon turned into a nightmare as she faced domestic abuse from her partner, reports the Express.

"Tired of being hit, I found strength I didn't know I had and gave him a tremendous punch in the stomach and left with my baby," she said about her daring escape. She earned the nickname 'Locomotora', which translates to 'engine' in English, a nod to both her indomitable spirit and the might of her punch.

Inspired to follow in the footsteps of Mike Tyson, Oliveras grabbed the attention of esteemed Cordoban coach Carlos Tello, who dedicated himself to refining her raw talent.

Oliveras rose to national fame, engaging in legendary battles with Marcela 'La Tigresa' Acuña and Lely Luz Flórez, captivating audiences with a thrilling performance at the renowned Luna Park in Buenos Aires. Her crowning achievement came on May 20, 2006, when she overcame the formidable Navas by TKO in the ninth round to claim the WBC super bantamweight world title.

She valiantly defended her title until December 2008, when it was taken from her by fellow Argentine and arch-rival Acuña in an epic showdown at Luna Park that captured global interest. Oliveras also vied for the WBC super lightweight championship in 2011 but was defeated via unanimous decision by Monica Acosta.

Nevertheless, Oliveras carved out her legacy in the lightweight category the following year, seizing the WBC crown after knocking out Jessica Villafranca. She went on to defend her title against a string of challengers, including Diana Ayala, Migdalia Asprilla, Paulina Cardona, Dayana Cordero, and Calista Silgado.

Back in 2013, Oliveras claimed the vacant WBC super lightweight crown in her bout against Florez. Her final appearance in the ring was in 2019, after which she called time on her 15-year career with an impressive tally of 33 victories, three losses, and two draws.

Following her retirement, she established Team Locomotora - a Santa Fe gymnasium providing free boxing tuition. Her post-boxing endeavours proved equally compelling as her fighting days, as she pursued a seat in national congress while championing causes against gender-based violence, prejudice, and sporting inequality.

News of her passing has sent shockwaves throughout global boxing circles. The WBA, which crowned her world champion on several occasions, expressed its "deep sorrow" upon learning of her death.

"My gym has always been about teaching, supporting, and helping people who want to let off steam," she once reflected on her commitment to community service.

Speaking about her remarkable resilience in facing the toughest challenges and fiercest rivals, she revealed that her strength "didn't come from physical strength but from my soul." Oliveras is survived by her two sons, Alejandro, 31, and Alexis, 27.