Brazilian authorities say a youngster touted as one of the country’s most promising boxers has been killed in an altercation with a police officer.
The Brazilian boxing federation says 16-year-old Tairone Silva was shot to death Friday after arguing with the officer in the southern city of Osorio.
Authorities did not release details on the altercation. Local media reported that the officer said he shot Silva in self-defense. He was in custody pending an investigation.
The federation said Sunday “Brazil has lost another promising athlete who dreamed of becoming a great boxer and participating in the 2016 Olympics” in Rio de Janeiro.
Silva was the Brazilian champion in his age range last year and in February won an international title in an event in Chile.
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