(APR 27)  It is with deep sadness to learn about male boxer Cristian "‘El Botija"  Oviedo who at the age of 21 years old committed suicide on April 23, 2020.  Oviedo was born on  June 12, 1998, in San Basilio, Córdoba, Argentina.

Oviedo was a well-respected amateur boxer who was a heavyweight amateur youth champion, who was ranked #4 in the Amateur ranks since July 1, 2019, according to the Amateur Boxing Commission of the Argentine Federation.

Oviedo  turned pro on August 16, 2019, when he fought in a four-round bout winning by a unanimous decision. He was 1-0-0 (1KO).

In the early morning of April 23rd, the parents of the Oviedo requested the police presence in the house to verify the death of the 21-year-old boxer, which in conclusion was ruled as a suicide.

In one news media Al Toque  on the net, Oviedo's coach, Carlos San Miguel said the following:   “He was a sensational kid. I woke up to this sad news, the father called at 8 in the morning. After calming down, I called his dad again to find out more details and how he would handle himself. What I know is that they will take Rio Cuarto the body for an autopsy and then bring him to San Basilio to watch him for a few hours."

“I knew him since he started in San Basilio, he started fighting at 14 years old. He had other coaches and then he returned with me and the newspaper La Voz gave him the Estímulos award. From the sporting point of view it was great, he was the Argentine champion twice, the pro champion." added San Miguel.

San Miguel added that Oviedo had put a lot of energy of training in the gym, but reflected that his life in his childhood was difficult and never seem to solve that conflict.

The WBC published the news stating the following:  “The boxing family regrets with great pain the death of young boxer Cristian Oviedo from Córdoba, Argentina.  He was just 21 years old.
Cristian was an outstanding amateur fighter. He recently debuted as a professional with a victory.  Without a doubt, he will be so very missed by all his friends, family, colleagues, and coaches.  The Boxing Family unites in prayer alongside Cristian`s loved ones and to all our Argentine family.  Rest in peace. Always young and forever remembered a champion!”

WBAN will be adding Oviedo to our special facebook that we set up a couple of years ago, "Special Final Tribute to those in the Sport of Boxing" at this link, if you would like to leave a condolence to this boxer.  link to write a condolence