Oscar “La Bestia” Bonifacio is about to reach another major milestone in his career.
The 21-year-old Uruguayan boxer will make his United States debut on July 18 when he faces unbeaten Raul Escudero on a ProBox TV card at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Bonifacio announced the fight on Instagram, calling the opportunity deeply personal.
“This moment is personal,” he wrote. “It is to step on the United States for the first time… I am happy and prepared to represent with pride who I am and who I want to be.”
Bonifacio has become one of the world’s very few openly gay professional boxers and is widely recognized as the first openly gay professional boxer from South America.
His story extends far beyond the ring.
He has spoken publicly about surviving childhood abuse, poverty, bullying because of his sexuality, struggles with depression, and using boxing to rebuild his life.
Now, after building his professional record in Uruguay and Argentina, he has earned his biggest opportunity yet on American soil.
For LGBTQ sports fans, Bonifacio’s U.S. debut represents another important moment for visibility in one of the world’s most traditionally masculine sports.
📷 IG: @oscar.bonifacino_
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