Nico Hernandez throws a left hook against Pat Gutierrez during the first round at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane. Wichita’s Hernandez made his pro debut with a fourth round technical knockout. (Mar. 25, 2017)
MULVANE– When Nico Hernandez stepped in the ropes in Rio de Janerio, he was booed on his way to a 2016 Olympic bronze medal.
Saturday was the complete opposite.
As Hernandez walked out for his introduction in his professional boxing debut, 3,100 plus fans at the Kansas Star Casino screamed in excitement. As Hernandez lusted at Patrick Gutierrez (0-2), chants of his name and the area code “316” filled the air to support the city’s symbolic sports icon.