The boxing circus is rolling into Managua, Nicaragua, and it’s bringing all the fireworks. Headlining the main event is none other than Nicaragua’s own, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. Let’s just say, Felix “Tuto” Zabala couldn’t resist turning this event into a Las Vegas spectacle right in the heart of Nicaragua.
After a 19-month hiatus, Nicaragua’s own boxing sensation is striding back into the spotlight. The comeback is set in his hometown as the ex-champion of four weight divisions, Roman Gonzalez, takes on Colombia’s heavy-hitter Rober Barrera. This showdown will take place on July 12 at the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello in Managua, Nicaragua, crowning the evening in a bantamweight brawl scheduled for ten rounds.
Roman Gonzalez (51-4, 41 KOs), once hailed as the king of the ring, has conquered titles from minimumweight up to junior bantamweight over his illustrious 19-year career. His return marks his first fight since a debatable defeat against Juan Francisco Estrada in December 2022. Facing him in the ring, Rober Barrera (27-5, 17 KOs), a seasoned title challenger, enters the fight on a winning streak from his last three bouts.
During a press conference, Zabala, a promoter who loves the limelight almost as much as a good fight, spilled the beans on the July 12 extravaganza. And yes, folks, it’s all going down live on ESPN + for the USA and ESPN Knockout if you’re chilling in Latam.
Adding to the glamour, Jimmy Lennon Jr., the voice you’ve heard more times than your own conscience, will be announcing. Guess we’re really not in Kansas anymore, Tuto’s bringing the bling and the big guns to town.
The undercard? Oh, it’s juicy. Eveling “La Colocha” Ortega, fresh off her latest ring dance, will defend her WBO Latino Champion title against Karol Gonzalez in what’s being hyped as the co-main shindig. Over in the men’s corner, Kevin Vivas and Azael “Candelila” Villar are set to throw down in a fight that’s basically a career roulette – winner shoots up the rankings, loser probably cries into their protein shake.
And let’s not forget the young gun, Michael “Amenaza” Carmona, who’s looking to school some older foes and climb that ladder fast. He’s squaring off against Edwin “Canito” Cano in a fight that might just end in tears or cheers, depending on whose uncle you’re betting with.
Starting the show is a heavyweight clash that could either be a ballet of bruisers or just big men breathing hard. Jeffrey Gonzalez and Andres Quesada, both unscathed at 2-0, will see who can keep that zero.
Also featured on the ESPN+ lineup:
Eveling Ortega (7-5, 2 KOs) versus Karol Mazariegos Gonzalez (7-1-1, 3 KOs), battling it out over 8 rounds in the light flyweight division.
Kevin Vivas (7-2, 2 KOs) faces Azael Villar (20-3-4, 15 KOs), in another 8-round light flyweight encounter.
Michael Carmona (5-0, 3 KOs) takes on Edwin Cano Hernandez (12-2-1, 3 KOs) in an 8-round minimumweight fight.
Jeffrey Gonzalez (2-0) goes head-to-head with Andres Quesada (2-0) in a 4-round heavyweight match.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
Start Time: 9 p.m. ET (USA) / 2 a.m. BST (UK, next day)
Streaming: ESPN+ (USA)
Venue: Polideportivo Alexis Argüello, Managua, Nicaragua
Fight Card:
Roman Gonzalez vs. Rober Barrera, 10 rounds, Bantamweights
Eveling Ortega vs. Karol Mazariegos Gonzalez, 8 rounds, Light Flyweights
Kevin Vivas vs. Azael Villar, 8 rounds, Light Flyweights
Michael Carmona vs. Edwin Cano Hernandez, 8 rounds, Minimumweights
Jeffrey Gonzalez vs. Andres Quesada, 4 rounds, Heavyweights
