Buenos Aires Tonight: El Regreso de La Tigresa

Tonight at Estadio F.A.B. in Buenos Aires, Argentina, former WBO World female super bantamweight champion Marcela Eliana Acuña (42-6-1, 18 KOs), from Caseros, Buenos Aires, Argentina, fights Mayra Alejandra Gómez (17-4, 4 KOs), from Rincon de los Sauces, Neuquen, Argentina, for the interim WBA World female featherweight title.

Acuña, whose ring moniker is “La Tigresa” (“The Tigress”), is returning to the ring after two years of inactivity. She is a boxing legend in Argentina, the first woman in that country licensed to fight.

Acuña turned pro in 1997, at the Amphitheater in Pompano Beach, Florida. Her opponent was none other than Christy Martin. “The Coalminer’s Daughter” was 31-1-2.

It was Acuña’s first fight.

Under the circumstances, “La Tigressa” might have folded. Martin got the decision, but not without a fight.

After two years on the sidelines, Acuña said she is “More than happy, super excited and anxious. I want to show that I can continue to fight and despite having been idle, I am in a position to fight for a title.”

All that stands in her way is Mayra Alejandra Gómez.

“La Guapa” has been fighting five years. She is as tough as leather and has something to prove. In February 2015, two fights ago, Gómez fought for the WBA World female super bantamweight title. Her opponent was the great Jackie Nava.

It was a heartbreaking TKO loss in round six.

But that was then and this is now.

“La Guapa” believes she can retire the veteran a second time.

But not if “La Tigresa” has anything to say about it.

“You know where I stand,” Acuña told Sportia. “What better to measure myself than to fight a boxer like Mayra?

“After 21 months inactive, power will make a great fight and to win the WBA title would be great.”

The event is promoted by OFR Promotions and will be televised by TyCSports.

Acuña vs. Gómez will also be available online at: http://www.tycsportsplay.com.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.