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Elvis Alvarez

Flyweight · Deceased · Colombia

Elvis Alvarez

Former world champion

At a glance

Born
February 2, 1965
Died
July 16, 1995
Nationality
Colombia
Birthplace
Medellin, Colombia
Division
Flyweight
Stance
Southpaw
Pro debut
July 2, 1983
Retired
January 8, 1994

Story

Boxing Only · Updated Jul 8, 2026

Elvis Álvarez, born on February 2, 1965, in Medellín, Colombia, was a southpaw boxer who made significant strides in the flyweight division during his professional career. He began his professional journey on July 2, 1983, securing a points victory over Edgar Acevedo in Bogotá. Over the next decade, Álvarez built a commendable record, marked by notable achievements and encounters with world-class opponents.
In 1989, Álvarez captured the vacant WBO World Flyweight Title by defeating Miguel Mercedes via unanimous decision in Medellín. He later vacated this title in March 1990 due to a lack of interest in the belt.

On March 14, 1991, he clinched the WBA Flyweight Title with a unanimous decision win over Leopard Tamakuma at the Tokyo Budokan. However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the title in his first defence to Yong-Kang Kim on June 1, 1991, at the Hilton Hotel in Seoul, also by unanimous decision.

Álvarez's career culminated on January 8, 1994, when he faced Junior Jones at the Friar Tuck Inn in Catskill, New York, challenging for the WBA World Bantamweight Title. Despite a valiant effort, he was defeated by a unanimous decision after twelve rounds. This bout marked his only appearance on American soil and was his final professional fight.

Throughout his career, Álvarez compiled a professional record of 31 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws, with 19 victories coming by way of knockout. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was murdered on July 16, 1995, in his hometown of Medellín, Colombia, at the age of 30.

Álvarez's journey through the competitive flyweight ranks, highlighted by his world title victories and battles against top-tier opponents, underscores his significant impact on Colombian boxing during his era.

World titles

  • WBAFlyweight1991 to 1991Former
  • WBOFlyweight1989 to 1990Former