Nico Hernández Steps Into Hometown Ring

Written by Paige Feikert

Nico Hernández Steps Into Hometown Ring

First ICT Boxing Appearance for Several Years

Written by Paige Feikert

Boxing in Wichita is synonymous with the Hernández family: Nico Hernández, who earned Wichita its first Olympic medal in more than 30 years, and his father, Lewis Hernández, who introduced his son to the sport and has coached him ever since. The two not only brought boxing to the forefront during and since Nico’s 2016 Olympic run, but continue to share the sport with the city through Lewis’ gym, Hernández Boxing Academy, and Nico’s career and outreach. In many ways, the growth of the sport locally boils down to a father in his son’s corner.

Passing Down a Sports Legacy

“He’s been my coach since I started boxing at 9 years old. I’m 29 now, so we have a real good connection; he understands me and I really trust him in my corner of the ring,” Hernández said. “I know he’s going to give me the best advice to win, he doesn’t want to see me hurt, he’s my dad.”

The father–son relationship not only paved the way for Nico’s career but also provided the groundwork when Nico himself became a father. His son is now 6 years old, and Nico says the lessons both in and out of the ring have guided him on his own path through fatherhood.

“My pops has always pushed me to encourage me to do the best I can,” Hernández said. “It’s helped me a little bit with my son, because he’s a soccer player, so we go outside and kick the ball around; we go through drills so he can do what he likes to do.”

Wichita united over boxing in the summer of 2016 when, more than 5,000 miles away, the then 20-year-old Nico earned the USA its first boxing Olympic medal since 2008, and Wichita’s first Olympic medal since 1984. Hernández was welcomed home with a parade, celebrations and even a scholarship awarded by Wichita State University. Hernández became a darling of Wichita, and he’s continued to represent his home town since turning pro in 2017 — but hasn’t had a fight in the city for several years due to a management dispute. Hernández is making his hometown comeback at the end of the month for an event called “Legacy Reloaded” at Koch Arena.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and bring the city back out; it’s been a while,” Nico said. “I’m thankful to put on for Wichita and make the city look good, because I definitely don’t plan on losing.”

‘Legacy Reloaded’

The headline event will feature one of the most famous heavyweight champions in the world, Deontay Wilder. Wilder is also an Olympic bronze medalist, who is known for one of the highest knockout records among heavyweight champions. Wilder, also known as the “Bronze Bomber” will face Tyrrell Herndon in the 10-round heavyweight bout.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Wilder vs. Herndon main event to Wichita, joined by a fight card showcasing our Olympic hero, Nico Hernández,” said Brian Blackman, executive vice president of business development with TicketSocket. “This event celebrates Wichita’s rise as a vibrant hub for major events, where our passionate community rallies to support these incredible moments. It’s an inspiring opportunity to show the world what our city is capable of.”

‘This is more than an event, it’s a celebration of our city’s fighting spirit and unyielding passion.’ — Brian Blackman, TicketSocket

Hernández is looking forward to fighting on the same card as Wilder: “He’s been a professional longer than I have and he’s a really exciting fighter to watch, one of the most exciting heavyweights to watch,” Hernández said. “I’m looking forward to watching him and also being able to showcase my talent.”

Hernández is one of several local fighters in the event, all of whom come from Hernández Boxing Academy.

“This is more than an event, it’s a celebration of our city’s fighting spirit and unyielding passion,” Blackman said. “Our community is ready to embrace this world-class stage, proving Wichita is a powerhouse for boxing and a home for champions.”

While Hernández is hoping the event will help re-engage his career, his dreams look a little different now.

“I’m really just rolling with the punches, honestly. I just want to be able to make money in the sport of boxing and keep winning, but I don’t want to get punched in the head for the rest of my life,” Hernández said. “I want to take care of my son and give him a better life and everything he needs.”

Engaging Youth Sports in Crossover Collab

Written by Jessika Mayer

Wichita native and Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernández has expanded his community involvement by partnering with the Wichita Open golf tournament and TicketSocket. This collaboration aims to enhance the tournament experience and promote youth sports in the region. Hernández, known for his dedication to building boxing in Wichita, sees this partnership as an opportunity to give back to the community that supported his journey from local gyms to the Olympic podium. The Wichita Open, a long-standing Korn Ferry Tour event, is committed to impacting the local economy and supporting charitable organizations, aligning with Hernández's mission to uplift his hometown.

Hernández's involvement brings a fresh perspective to the Wichita Open, bridging the gap between different sports communities and highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary support in athletics. By integrating his passion for boxing with the world of golf, Hernández continues to inspire the next generation of athletes in Wichita, demonstrating that dedication and community engagement transcend individual sports.

Through TicketSocket's platform, the partnership facilitates streamlined ticketing and event access, making it easier for fans to engage with the tournament and other Wichita events such as “Legacy Reloaded.”

‘Legacy Reloaded’

June 27
Charles Koch Arena
6 p.m. — Doors open
7 p.m. — Main card
Purchase tickets at globalcombatcollective.com or in person at Hernández Boxing Academy.