Horacio Accavallo left thousands of his followers saddened by his passing. He is an example for several generations for having the title of the second world champion in boxing and his departure, which coincidentally occurred on the Argentine Boxer's Day, generated a void in this sport.
Horacio Accavallo: from shoeshiner to second world boxing champion in Argentina
Horacio Accavallo was a beloved figure in Argentina for being a fighter not only in the ring. Through effort and daily fights, he was able to obtain one of the most important recognitions in the sport he practiced.
Born on October 14, 1934, in Villa Diamante, Lanús, he had a tough road to travel. Since childhood, he dedicated himself to work to help his family. Along with his brothers, he collected cardboard to sell and also earned income as a shoeshiner. However, this was not an impediment to becoming the great fighter that the world has known.
Horacio Accavallo was crowned as the second world champion of Argentine boxing in the flyweight division. Photo: El Clarín
While working in a circus, by pure chance, he discovered his passion for boxing. With the guidance of Juan Aldrovandi and Héctor Vaccari, his first mentors, he began to learn the technical fundamentals.
"On Sundays, we would have a matinee show. When it rained or there was little audience, they asked the people who would dare to fight me, it was an extra number. So we fought until one of us said enough. There I realized that I had the ability, and as soon as a club opened in Villa Diamante, I signed up," he told Horacio Convertini for Diario Popular.
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On March 1, 1966, in Tokyo, he won the title of the second world boxing champion from Argentina and made history by defeating the Japanese Katsuyoshi Takayama. Accavallo fought and won a split decision on points, with scores in his favor of 73-69 and 74-67 (the last one against 71-70).
What did Horacio Accavallo die from?
Horacio Accavallo died at the age of 87 on Argentine Boxer's Day. Therefore, thousands of his fans have been shocked by the loss of the athlete.
The progressive disease he suffered until his death was Alzheimer's. He experienced a deterioration in his health due to the brain disorder he had for more than 12 years. As a result, he had to be admitted to a neurological recovery clinic.
The son of the famous boxer, Horacio Accavallo Jr., announced his death on September 14 through a post on Instagram: "This is how I will remember you old man: with your arms raised like a champion. Thank you for your teachings and for instilling your values in me. Rest in peace."