Managua, Nicaragua – After a 21-year Hiatus, a world title fight featuring a Nicaraguan finally returns to the land of volcanoes and lakes.
WBO junior flyweight titlist Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (27-3-1) of Caguas, Puerto Rico is set to make his third defense against local ranked challenger WBO #10 Leyman “El Fenix” Benavides (20-6-1) on October 27th from Alexis Arguello Sports Complex in Managua, Nicaragua.
The bout will stream live at 9PM/EDT on ESPN+ (USA including Puerto Rico) and air on ESPN Knockout in all of Latin America.
“All Star Boxing returns with a spectacular card on October 27 with a world title fight and multiple regional belts at stake,” stated Tuto Zabala Jr, President of the company.
“In December 2009, we held a great show from Managua which included two world title fights and saw the rise of many prospects to contenders.”
Gonzalez is back in the ring after two successful defenses in 2022. In June he defeated former Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga in Kissimmee, FL a second home for the Puerto Rican fanbase and later traveled to Tokyo, Japan were he defeated Sokichi Iwata by unanimous decision.
Unfortunately, a history making unification fight against Kenshiro Teraji for the WBO/WBA/WBC titles was derailed when a health issue forced Gonzalez to withdraw from the fight scheduled in April.
“We are excited to be back in the ring as I feel 100% health and ready to defend my belt,” noted Gonzalez said. “I’m out to prove that I am best junior flyweight in the world and on October 27 you can expect to see the best version of Bomba.”
Benavides a former WBA Gold champion, has piled up a string of wins which includes a victory over former world champion Wilfredo “Bimbito” Mendez. COVID has forced the former champ to sit on the sidelines during the pandemic but a stay busy win this past June has put him right back in the mix.
“This is a dream come true for me, fighting in my hometown for a world title,” noted Benavides. “October 27 we will make history in Nicaragua.”
By Random Hits