NICARAGUA: BOXING - New Nicaraguan boxing star is declared favorite son of his home city, after winning the world's lightweight championship

Record ID: 537114

  • Title: NICARAGUA: BOXING - New Nicaraguan boxing star is declared favorite son of his home city, after winning the world's lightweight championship
  • Date: 8th January 2008
  • Summary: ALFARO ARRIVING TO STADIUM
  • Embargoed: 23rd January 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Nicaragua
  • Country: Nicaragua
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVACDKZNUGT9QJEQPZ3CRD5VUII5
  • Story Text: New Nicaraguan boxing star is declared favorite son of his home city, after winning the world's lightweight championship.
    Locals gathered on Sunday (January 06) to receive new boxing idol, Jose Alfaro nicknamed "el Quiebra Jicara," (head smasher) as he made a triumphant return to his home city of Nagarote in Nicaragua, after beating Thai boxer Pawet Singwanchan to clinch the world's lightweight championship, last December 29 in Bielefeld, Germany.
    Carrying his lightweight World Championship belt, Alfaro walked through the streets of Nagarote followed by dozens of fans, music bands and fireworks.
    The promenade ended in the city's baseball stadium where local authorities paid tribute to the boxer by naming him "Favourite son of Nagarote," of this city located some 30 miles (approx. 48 kms) south from the Nicaraguan capital city of Managua.
    Alfaro did not imagine he win such fame, when he started his boxing career. His coaches nicknamed him "Quiebra Jicara" (Head smasher) for his ability to knock down his opponents with a single blow to the head.

    "In Nicaragua we call the head "Jicara." When I began boxing, I knocked out the other guys with straight punches. I punched them in the face and knocked them out, because of that they called me "Quiebra Jicara" (head buster). It (the nickname) spread and it has been used for eight years," Alfaro told Reuters.
    As Alfaro begins to defend his title, he will be able to select his opponents, nevertheless he has no preference as to which opponent he faces as long as he belongs to his lightweight category.

    "I don't have a preference for an opponent, I don't wish to fight with anyone in particular, it's the same for me. If he weighs 135 pounds and I weigh the same, there's no problem, I would fight."
    The lightweight champion said that he would like to be faster in the ring and praised the style of former U.S. boxer, Sugar Ray Leonard.

    "I liked Sugar Ray Leonard, that guy was very fast. I liked his style and I would like to be like him. I am not as fast, but maybe I'm stronger than faster, that's my trait, but he was fast and strong and I would like to be faster."
    Alfaro is aware that boxers have short careers. He would therefore like to seize the moment and save up for his retirement.

    "My objective is to continue boxing a few more years, I don't intend to box for a long time, 10 years more for example. A boxer's career is short. I would like to seize this moment, fight and win, and save money for the future."
    Nagarote residents praised Alfaro's success who has now become a celebrity among residents. The city's local government paid tribute to the boxer by naming him favourite of his natal city, an honour bestowed to only two people before him.

    "The Municipal government council has paid tribute to Alfaro by naming him, "Favorite son of Nagarote." Few have been given that title, only two personalities have been given that honour. At the moment Jose Alfaro deserves to receive this honor," said the Major of Nagarote Felipe Reyes Chavez.
    After the ceremony many local athletes took the opportunity to talk to Alfaro, ask for his autograph and congratulate him for his recent victory.
    Alfaro was previously awarded the title of Nicaraguan Professional Athlete of the year in 2007 by local media and President Daniel Ortega met him personally in Managua when he returned from Germany last Tuesday (January 01).
    He became the 8th World Boxing Champion in Nicaragua 's history.
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