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Rosendo Alvarez: World Champion to Boxing Promoter

By Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez

I’m flying somewhere over the Caribbean and reminiscing about my fabulous trip to Nicaragua. My host was none other than Rosendo “El Bufalo” Alvarez. I was visiting Nicaragua as his special guest for the Buffalo Promotions boxing tour. Rosendo has 1 to 2 shows a month. This keeps him busy. He is building the future of Nicaraguan boxing.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived but I was pleasantly surprised at the warm reception I received. There were three television cameras, reporters, and the champ himself welcoming me with open arms. As he hugged me I couldn’t help notice the pounds he’s accumulated during the years, typical for most retired fighters. His busy schedule doesn’t help in those regards, but he looked elated to see an old friend. After the reminiscing about interviews and pictures, we went to eat. He took me to eat seafood, which I must say was fabulous (I’m a big seafood eater). After dinner he dropped me off at a charming hotel and warned me to be ready for the morning. “Tomorrow will be a hectic day”, he reminded me, referring to the press conference in the morning and the weigh ins in the afternoon.

Morning came and he was there to pick me up at the hotel. “Are you hungry?” he asked. “Yes!” I replied, so off for a quick bite. After breakfast, we arrived at Puerto de Salvador Allende, the location where the event will be held. This place formerly known for dumping bodies during the civil unrest in the 70’s and 80’s and it’s now becoming a sprawling hotbed for tourist and locals. The port has wonderful views of the lake and is a peaceful place to take a family for picnics or a perfect place to spend the evenings while holding your girlfriend’s hand and reading poetry to her. A place so family friendly and romantic is a no brainier for a boxing event. What better place to relax and be together? Buffalo Promotions has achieved that by catering to families in its choice of entertainment and shows.

I was totally amazed how mothers, sons, daughters and grandparents were into the show, as a family. Nicaragua has a long history of boxing in their blood. It’s not looked at as a barbaric sport as it is here in America. The Nicaraguan people know their boxing (obviously having Alexis Arguello one of the best fighter’s of all time helps) as many were asking me for an autograph or a picture and telling me they saw my fights many years ago and were big fans. This made me feel happy. The turnout to his show was a success. Families were there cheering on their favorite fighters also present was the unpredictable Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga. His response to me after my remarking that he is sitting on a gold mine was that “the people respond and show me their gratitude by coming to my events that I hold for them, I do this for them, the families the kids and all for Nicaragua.”

The shows were exciting and evenly matched. It was evident by the look in the fighter’s eyes that it was show time and they wanted to impress El Bufalo, Ricardo Mayorga and me. “I’m happy with what I’m doing with my life, my life is where I want it to be alongside my wife and Rosendo Jr.” Rosendo remarked. I sensed his sincerity. I felt like I was listening to his confessions about his mistakes and self gratifications. He was apologetic in his tone yet appreciative of his struggles, saying if those things didn’t happen to him he wouldn’t be the humble man he is today. He didn’t go into much detail about some of his mistakes and I didn’t want to pry, but I’m sure it had a huge impact in his life that he changed his lifestyle (sober). One thing is for sure, he’s very proud of what he’s accomplished and the road he has taken to produce future stars for his country.

It’s an amazing experience being with him in public. He appeals to youth and elders alike. He is literally the people’s champion, it’s not just a moniker, it’s real. The current government loves him and named a few gyms and areas after him. He scoffs at the mention of a park or statue named after him because he is a humble human being who cares to promote his fighters and take care of them with his own money, something you don’t see or hear other promoters do for their stable. One thing I learned about him on this trip is that he’s a God fearing man that cares for his wife, child and everyone else who asks for his help. He is a man, not perfect, he’s made his mistakes in life but who hasn’t, he’s on his path to redemption for himself and Nicaragua.

Rosendo Alvarez is truly an example of grit and determination Despite being down, he got back up swinging. He is certainly worthy of imitation.

 

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