Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, vibrated with excitement on October 5, 2024, when boxing made an exciting comeback at the Juan C. Berrios Coliseum. This highly anticipated event, organized by Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment, marked the first boxing card in the area in 16 years. The arena was packed with more than 2,700 passionate fans, eager to witness the local fighters showcase their skills.
Guzman’s Dazzling Performance
The night was headlined by William “Piru” Guzman, a local favorite. He stepped into the ring against Argentine Facundo Ased and the atmosphere was electric. Guzman quickly asserted his dominance, overwhelming Ased and securing a decisive victory in just four rounds.
“This victory is for the people of Barranquitas. Fighting in front of my hometown crowd was a dream come true and fuels my motivation. I am incredibly grateful for the support and ready to move forward,” said Guzman, beaming with joy after his victory.
Chevalier’s Resilient Return
Another highlight of the evening was Bryan “Chary” Chevalierwho returned to the ring after a difficult period in his career. He faced Nicaraguan Martin Diaz in a tough eight round battle. Chevalier showed his stamina and skill, winning by unanimous decision and marking a triumphant return to form.
“I’m excited to be back in the ring. After focusing on my personal life and becoming a father, I feel more motivated than ever. On Saturday I will show my true warrior spirit,” commented Chevalier before the fight. With this victory he improved his record to 21-2-1, including 16 knockouts.
Rising Stars Shine
The event also featured impressive performances from emerging talent. Jose Diaz, in his professional debut, ignited the crowd with a technical knockout against veteran Eduardo Melendez. His performance hinted at a promising future for the young boxer.
Another undefeated prospect, Carlos “Pavo” Morales, continued his rise by defeating Harold Laguna by unanimous decision, bringing his record to 6-0-1with 5 knockouts.
“We knew it would be a tough fight, but our hard work in the gym paid off. This is just the beginning,” said Morales, showing confidence in his future.Morales said, showing confidence in his future.
Knockouts Aspects
The night was filled with exciting knockouts that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Naranjito’s Abner Figueroa added to the excitement with his sixth consecutive victory, scoring a third round knockout over Mexican fighter Armando Hernandez.
Meanwhile, young talent Yadiel Alomar caused a sensation with his third first round knockout win over Jonathan Guzman, raising his record to 3-0, with 2 knockouts.
Ellison Rivera, another notable newcomer, thrilled the Barranquitas fans by winning his fight with a third round technical knockout, further showcasing the depth of talent present at the event.
A Historic Return
The atmosphere at the Juan C. Berríos Coliseum was nothing short of electric, underscoring the importance of boxing’s return to Barranquitas. The event rekindled local interest in the sport and at the same time highlighted the remarkable talent emerging from Puerto Rico.
Promoter Héctor Soto expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are thrilled to bring boxing back to Barranquitas after 16 years. This event was more than just fights; it was a celebration of our community and the future of boxing in Puerto Rico.”
As the night progressed, fans were treated to a display of determination, skill and the vibrant spirit that characterizes Puerto Rican boxing. The excitement in the air hinted at a bright future for the sport in the region.
Community impact
The return of boxing to Barranquitas was not just a sporting event; it was a celebration of the community. Local fans rallied around their fighters, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and support. The event served as a reminder of the strong connection between the sport and the local culture.
With the success of the night, there is a renewed sense of hope for the future of boxing in Barranquitas. Fans can look forward to more events that not only highlight local talent but also bring the community together through a shared love of the sport.
Looking to the future
As Barranquitas prepares for more boxing action, the focus will be on nurturing the emerging talent that has begun to capture attention. Fighters like Guzman and Chevalier are paving the way for the next generation, inspiring young boxers to pursue their dreams in the ring.
The success of the night has set the stage for more boxing events in the future. With local fighters rising through the ranks and gaining recognition, Barranquitas is poised to become a hub for boxing talent in Puerto Rico.
Conclusion
Saturday’s event marked a resounding success, ushering in a new chapter for boxing in Barranquitas. With standout performances from established fighters like Chevalier and Guzman, as well as the emergence of promising new talent, the night was a celebration of Puerto Rico’s rich boxing heritage.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Barranquitas is ready for more boxing action and the fighters are prepared to deliver. With the support of the community behind them, these athletes will continue to strive for greatness, taking the spirit of Puerto Rican boxing to new heights.
