Honoring Yesenia Gómez & María Cecilia Román on their Birthday — Latin America’s World Champions
Boxing has a long and proud tradition of champions rising from Latin America. Yesenia Gómez and María Cecilia Román are among the women who have carried that legacy into the world spotlight, standing out for their resilience, championship achievements, and the barriers they helped break in lighter weight classes. Both fighters have earned recognition not just for their records, but for their impact in divisions that have seen increasing global competition and recognition.
Yesenia “La Niña” Gómez — Champion from the Yucatán Peninsula
Yesenia Guadalupe Gómez Vázquez was born on January 21, 1996 in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Known in the ring as “La Niña”, she emerged as one of Mexico’s most accomplished female fighters in the light flyweight division.
Professional Career and World Title
Gómez turned professional and built her record steadily, registering wins that showcased her sharp technique and competitive toughness. Her record stands at 21 wins, 8 losses, and 4 draws.
Her defining moment came on September 22, 2018, when she won the WBC female light flyweight world championship by defeating Esmeralda “Joya” Moreno. At just 24 years old, Gómez became a world champion, making history as the first woman from Quintana Roo to win a professional world title.
As champion, Gómez successfully defended her WBC title on multiple occasions. One notable defense came on February 17, 2019, when she retained the belt with a unanimous decision victory over Erika Hanawa at the Oasis Arena in Cancún.
Champion and Cultural Figure
In recognition of her achievement, the Mexico City Chamber of Deputies honored Gómez for her contributions to the sport and her breakthrough as a world champion, highlighting the significance of her accomplishment in Mexican boxing history.
Fighting Style and LegacyB
Gómez’s boxing style combines technical skill with tactical discipline, often using her reach and jab to control opponents in the ring. Her success in the light flyweight ranks helped elevate the profile of that division internationally and inspired a new generation of Mexican and Latin American female fighters to pursue world titles.
María Cecilia Román — Argentina’s Bantamweight Champion
María Cecilia Román was born on January 21, 1983 in Villa Mallea, San Juan, Argentina. She stands as one of Argentina’s most respected female boxers, particularly in the bantamweight division.
Professional Career and Record
Román’s professional record is 17 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws.
She debuted professionally on May 13, 2011, and fought steadily against increasingly tough competition, establishing herself as a durable and technically sound bantamweight contender.
World Championship and Title Runs
Román’s most notable achievement came with her capture of the IBF female bantamweight world title. Román defended her crown against credible challengers and appeared on international fight cards.
Her world title tenure saw her square off against notable opposition, including British standout Ellie Scotney and Australian competitor Ebanie Bridges in high-profile bouts in 2022.
Román is among Argentina’s best female world champions, carrying forward her nation’s strong boxing tradition into the modern era.
Shared Legacy and Impact
Both Gómez and Román have carved meaningful places in the history of women’s boxing by succeeding at the highest levels against global competition and carrying Latin American representation into world championships. Yesenia Gómez made her mark as a WBC world champion in light flyweight, becoming a role model for female athletes from Mexico’s southeastern region and demonstrating technical poise across title defenses. María Cecilia Román has stood as Argentina’s champion in the bantamweight class, engaging top international challengers and contributing to the visibility of South American women in professional boxing. Their respective careers reflect not only their individual achievements but also the broader growth of women’s boxing in Latin America. Fighters like Gómez and Román have pushed the sport forward with skill, heart, and competitive excellence.