Sandro Oviedo’s World-Title Challenge Went the Distance
Sandro Orlando Oviedo challenged Juan Domingo Córdoba for the WBO light flyweight championship in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on May 9, 1998. Córdoba retained the belt by unanimous decision after twelve rounds.
Career highlights
Oviedo was an Argentine contender associated with Mendoza. His championship opportunity came in Córdoba’s first defense after winning the WBO belt from Melchor Cob Castro earlier in 1998.
The domestic world-title contest was staged in Santiago del Estero, the champion’s home region. Oviedo completed the scheduled championship distance, but all three judges favored Córdoba.
Later international opposition
Oviedo later competed in the United States against rising American professionals. In March 2002, Sydney Olympic bronze medalist Clarence Vinson stopped him thirty-nine seconds into the fifth round in Maryland. Two months later, Brian Viloria knocked him out in the first round in Honolulu.
Oviedo’s professional career began in June 1988 and continued into 2007. His international schedule also included a decision defeat to Zolile Mbityi in London in April 2000 and a later meeting with Hussein Hussein in the United States. He recorded a victory over Angel Aníbal Torres in Argentina in July 2006 before his final listed defeat to Santiago Iván Acosta. His compiled career totals are twenty-four wins, twenty-three losses and two draws.
Sources
- La Nación: announcement of Córdoba’s first defense against Oviedo
- BoxRec: Córdoba–Oviedo championship result
- The Washington Post: Vinson–Oviedo result in Maryland
- The Washington Post: Viloria–Oviedo result in Honolulu
- BoxerList: Oviedo’s international opponents and final career results
