The boxing world was still mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Dwight Muhammad Qawi, who passed away at 72, when yet another heartbreaking blow struck. Alejandra ‘Locomotora’ Oliveras — a beloved icon of Argentine boxing — has died at the age of 47 on Monday, leaving fans and the sporting community in shock once again.

According to reports, ‘Locomotora’ suffered a stroke two weeks ago and was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit at José María Cullen Hospital in Santa Fe. News of her passing sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, as fans and fellow fighters alike flooded timelines with heartfelt tributes and messages of support for her family.

WBC released a statement grieving the 47-year-old’s untimely passing. “The Argentine fighter had a remarkable boxing career, becoming a successful multiple-time world champion,” they wrote on Instagram while sharing an image of Oliveras. “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.”

“At the World Boxing Council, we deeply mourn the loss of our champion. Her legacy will live on in our minds and hearts,” WBC concluded. Oliveras was born on March 20, 1987, in El Carmen, Jujuy. A trailblazer in women’s boxing, the 47-year-old won six world titles across four weight classes, including the WBC super bantamweight, WBA featherweight, WBO featherweight, and WBC super lightweight. 

Her professional record is a testament to her success in the sport, with 33 wins (16 knockouts), 3 losses, and two draws. ‘Locomotora’ made her professional debut in 2005, defeating María del Carmen Potenza by knockout, and achieved a Guinness World Record for winning titles in four weight categories. Interestingly, the Argentine boxer challenged gender norms in the sport, advocating for women to fight 12 three-minute rounds, like men, and even won a significant fight against Lesly Morales in 2019.

She was a champion outside the ring as well, overcoming poverty and personal hardships, which included an abusive relationship and family betrayal. Oliveras founded Team Locomotora in 2020, which helped support community food drives during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Locomotora’ was also a mother of two, and studied psychology to promote mental health and inspired many through motivational talks. 

Elected as a constitutional delegate in Santa Fe in 2025, Oliveras had championed the cause of making sports a constitutional right. Her passing resonated far beyond the boxing ring — even her fiercest rival was moved to pay tribute, a testament to the lasting impact she had on the sport and those around her.

Marcela ‘La Tigresa’ Acuña’s final message to Alejandra ‘Locomotora’ Oliveras

Acuña and Oliveras had one of the most iconic rivalries in Argentine women’s boxing, which began after their fight on December 4, 2008, at Luna Park. Acuña won the unification fight via unanimous decision after a closely contested bout, handing Oliveras her first career loss. The defeat had sparked a sixteen-year-long feud, which came to an end on Monday. 

“I’m very sad. I didn’t expect it,” said Acuña in a conversation with TN. “Up until yesterday, she was practically fine, judging by her progress. I followed the medical reports every day. It’s terrible. I’m going to remember her with all the energy she had. How else? She was a woman who was constantly at the forefront and sought to influence people so they could live their best lives, enjoy life.”

“As she said, you have to live in the moment because you never know when your light will go out. She was so right… now she’s left us with a void, and we’re going to miss her terribly,” she added. “Within boxing, we highlighted her strength, her way of delivering her messages. Some liked her, others not so much, but that’s who she was. Those who like it, fine; and those who don’t, too. She was authentic and showed herself, and she didn’t care who liked it and who didn’t.”

2025 continues to be a painful year for the world of sports, as legends depart one after another. Yet, Alejandra Oliveras—like so many icons before her—doesn’t leave without gifting us lasting memories. Her legacy is not just in her victories, but in the lives she touched both inside and outside the ring. Do you have any parting words for the legend?