This Article is From Mar 14, 2011

Brazil's boxing champ, 17, shot dead by police

Brasilia: A 17-year-old youth, considered one of the most promising boxers in Brazil, has been shot dead by a police officer after an argument, officials said.

Tairone Silva was shot several times during an argument with a police officer in Porto Alegre, capital of Rio Grande do Sul state.

Silva's killing was a blow to the sport, the Brazilian Boxing Federation said.

"Brazil has lost an athlete of the future who dreamed of becoming a great boxer and competing in the 2016 Olympic Games" in Rio de Janeiro, the federation said in a statement.

Silva got into an argument Saturday with a police officer at a business in Porto Alegre, police said.

The officer fired at least four shots at him in front of several witnesses. The unidentified officer was arrested and taken to a police station.

Silva was Brazil's national champion in the 75-kg class for boxers in the 15-16 age group.
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