SAN BERNARDINO, California – Oscar Bonifacino is building a formidable fan base as the first South American boxer to publicly announce he’s gay, and now he’s complementing that distinction by proving his legitimacy in the ring.
“He can crack,” trainer Bob Santos said.
Uruguay’s Bonifacino, 4-0-1 (3 KOs), was due to participate in the planned outdoor public boxing card that an English businessman was going to stage in San Francisco.
Just like the throngs of crowds Bonifacino, 22, is drawing in Uruguay thanks to the public support for him, a strong contingent of supporters were expected for him in the Bay Area.
Instead, the financial collapse of the project had Bonifacino promoter Sampson Lewkowicz take the fighter to Saturday’s ProBoxTV card at the National Orange Show here. He meets Spain’s Raul Escudero 4-0.
“The [San Francisco] opportunity was unique, but it came and went and while it’s a little sad, it’s all right because I know I still have the support of my community, regardless of where I fight,” Bonifacino told BoxingScene Friday at the weigh-in.
He has more than 40,000 Instagram followers.
“I’m very grateful that they accompany me at every fight I take, and that support has pushed me through this career,” he said.
Bonifacino said he took up boxing to confront problems he was having at home, including “abuse from my father.”
“Someone told me boxing could change my life, and it has,” he said.
The public support has been uplifting.
“I feel I’ve gained much more support since I’ve come out as gay, which I didn’t expect would happen,” Bonifacino said. “It’s charged me to keep pursuing this career.
“I’ve worked so hard this camp and definitely believe I’ll come out victorious in God’s name,” he said.
