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Top Female Boxer Turns to Politics in Argentina

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 27, 2009 2:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – Marcela Acuña isn’t accustomed to losing. The 5-foot-4 Argentine boxer has won a record 32 matches, 16 by knockout, to just five losses, earning her a huge following and the nickname la Tigresa, the Tigress. Now, she’s jumped into a different kind of ring: the political one. She’s running for Congress on the Peronist ticket tomorrow, but her campaign may not be what it seems, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Acuña is one of several gimmicky candidates who may not even intend to serve. In Argentine midterms, voters pick parties rather than candidates, so many parties load their slate with so-called “testimonial” candidates who cede their place to lesser-known representatives. Other out-there candidates running this year include a comedian, a roller-skating champion, and a stage actress known for playing Evita.

Argentinian Marcela Tigresa Acuna, right, hits Canadian Danielle Bouchard during their fight for the WBA Super Batamweight title in Buenos Aires, Thursday, July 3, 2008. Acuna won on points.
Argentinian Marcela "Tigresa" Acuna, right, hits Canadian Danielle Bouchard during their fight for the WBA Super Batamweight title in Buenos Aires, Thursday, July 3, 2008. Acuna won on points.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)
Argentinian Marcela Tigresa Acuna, right, hits Canadian Danielle Bouchard during their fight for the WBA Super Batamweight title in Buenos Aires, Thursday, July 3, 2008.
Argentinian Marcela "Tigresa" Acuna, right, hits Canadian Danielle Bouchard during their fight for the WBA Super Batamweight title in Buenos Aires, Thursday, July 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)
Argentinian Marcela Tigresa Acuna, right, and Canadian Danielle Bouchard, wave after their fight for the WBA Super Batamweight  title in Buenos Aires, July 3, 2008. Acuna won by points.
Argentinian Marcela "Tigresa" Acuna, right, and Canadian Danielle Bouchard, wave after their fight for the WBA Super Batamweight title in Buenos Aires, July 3, 2008. Acuna won by points.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Newser001
Jun 28, 2009 8:53 AM CDT
Yeah, nothing sexier than two chicks beating the living sh!t out of one another; no wood here.
riffran
Jun 28, 2009 2:19 AM CDT
She reminds me of a surfer chick I dated once. Oh my. *singing* "memories". :)

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