Juan “La Parka” Bernal
Juan “La Parka” Bernal is heading to the world stage. The heavyweight from Necochea just punched his ticket to the WKF Kickboxing World Championship, happening in Cartagena, Colombia, from October 19 to 24. Representing Argentina, he’ll be throwing down in the Adult Class A Division, taking on both the Full Contact and Low Kick brackets for fighters over 91 kilos.
A Return to Familiar Stomping Grounds
Colombia has actually been pretty good to him lately. Just last year at the Pan American Games in Bucaramanga, Bernal completely cleaned house. He walked away with two continental titles—sweeping both the Full Contact and Kickboxing events—which is exactly what qualified him for Cartagena. Now that the countdown to October is officially on, it’s all about the daily grind in the gym to bring a gold medal back home.
The Fight Outside the Ring
Getting to a world championship isn’t just about landing punches; it usually comes down to money. Like most independent athletes, Bernal has to cover his own flights, hotel, and entry fees. He’s unfazed by the challenge, recently telling K2 Radio flat-out, “I’m going to be world champion.” To make the trip happen, he’s pounding the pavement for sponsors. He’s currently running a raffle and reaching out to local businesses, knowing that community visibility is half the battle.
Dancing for a Cause
Part of that fundraising push includes a big party on October 3 at WO Espacio Cultural in Necochea. It’s shaping up to be a great family night out centered around Colombian cumbia, with live music from the guys in Trasnochados. It’s a fun, relaxed way for the neighborhood to rally behind one of their own. Bernal is putting in the work both inside the gym and out. With a little backing from his city, he has a real shot at lifting that global trophy in Cartagena.
