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Sampson Boxing Signs Openly Gay South American Boxer Oscar Bonifacino to Promotional Contract
May 29, 2025 – Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz proudly announces the signing of super featherweight prospect Oscar “La Bestia” Bonifacino, South America’s first openly gay male professional boxer. Bonifacino (1-0, 1 KO), a 21-year-old from Maldonado on the Southern Coast of Uruguay, started boxing four years ago to escape the homophobic violence he was suffering and immediately began showing a talent for the sport.
“I had already been hurt a couple of times, and I was having problems on the street,” recalled Bonifacino. “Boxing was my way of channeling all my anger.” Trained from the start by Coach Elizabeth Cabrera at Knockoutcentro Gym, Bonifacino is a counterpuncher with the ability to be explosive when needed. He made his successful professional debut last February with a second-round knockout over countryman Matias Agustin Gabrielli.
“Signing with Sampson was the best thing that could happen to me,” added Bonifacino. “Through my quest to be world champion, he can help my story reach all those who need it to be free and not judged. I fight for all those who at some point could not raise their voices and I will always be grateful to Sampson for giving me the opportunity.”
“I am very proud to be helping this young man fight for himself and for the bullied and oppressed people whose stories he knows only too well,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, known best for his ability to spot hidden fistic talent in uncommon places. “Oscar is a terrific role model for boxing with an incredible story of fighting your way out of hard times. I am proud to be his promoter.”
Bonifacino is currently in training camp in Montevideo, preparing for his next fight, on June 13, live on TyC Sports from Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of the WBA’s Annual KO Drugs Festival.
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at the International Boxing Hall of Fame 2025
