On Friday, July 25, the Mario de León Coliseum in Cereté, Córdoba, came alive with the electrifying return of professional boxing, hosting the WBA Future of Colombian Boxing—an event that not only brought big-time fights back to this historic boxing town, but also shone a spotlight on the sport’s rising stars.

Organized by the World Boxing Association (WBA), the night’s main attraction was a high-stakes showdown for the WBA Fedelatin flyweight title, as local favorite José David Cogollo (6-6-2) squared off against Venezuela’s Edinson Martínez—and walked away with the biggest win of his career to become the new Fedelatin champion.

From the opening bell, both fighters delivered a high-octane battle. Backed by a passionate hometown crowd, Cogollo came out throwing sharp combinations, setting a fast pace. But Martínez stood his ground with poise and precision, countering with slick movement and well-timed shots. It was a see-saw affair that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

When the final bell rang, the judges returned a majority decision draw (95-99 Martinez, 96-95 Cogollo, 96-94 Cogollo), a reflection of just how tight and competitive the bout truly was. While the scorecards sparked debate, there was no doubt the fans got their money’s worth—and Cogollo earned his moment of glory in front of his people.

The card also featured several amateur exhibitions, giving young local talent a platform to shine. This aligns with the spirit of the WBA Future initiative, which aims to nurture grassroots boxing and promote the sport as a tool for social transformation.

Cereté’s mayor, Said Bitar Castilla, alongside veteran promoter Alberto Agámez Berrío, praised the event’s success and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to boxing. “Cereté is once again the heartbeat of a sport that has brought us so much pride,” Bitar said during the opening ceremony. “This is a bet on local talent and the future of Colombian boxing.”

With a packed crowd in the arena and a live global stream through the WBA’s digital platforms, the message was clear: Colombian boxing is thriving—and its future looks brighter than ever. The WBA remains committed to fostering regional talent and creating lasting impact through the sport.or-close this contest truly was. Though no belt changed hands, the performance left no doubt: both men belong in the upper tier of the regional flyweight scene. A rematch could easily become one of the most anticipated fights on the Latin American boxing calendar.

The card also featured a slate of amateur exhibitions, giving the next generation of boxers a chance to shine—an essential part of the WBA Future program, which aims to develop young talent and use boxing as a force for social change.

Cereté mayor Said Bitar Castilla, along with veteran promoter Alberto Agámez Berrío, lauded the event’s success and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to the sport. “Cereté is once again the heartbeat of a sport that has given us so much glory,” Bitar said during the opening ceremony. “This is an investment in our local talent and in the future of Colombian boxing.”

With an energized crowd in attendance and a global livestream via the WBA’s digital platforms, the Cereté edition of WBA Future sent a clear message: Colombian boxing is alive and well, and its future is just getting started. The WBA continues to stand firmly behind the regional growth of the sport.