Costa Rica, July 2025 – Costa Rica’s own “Choco” Valle is set to ignite Guanacaste this summer, returning to home soil for a high-stakes showdown that promises fireworks and fierce competition. On July 18, at the rustic yet raucous Cámara de Ganaderos arena in Liberia, the three-division WBC strawweight champion Yokasta “Choco” Valle will put her belt on the line against Peru’s veteran challenger Rocio Gaspar in a scheduled ten-round main event.
A Homecoming Like No Other
After conquering rings from Cancun to Glendale, Arizona, Valle comes full circle back to the venue where she first lifted strawweight gold on November 1—knocking out Ramandeep Kaur in just two rounds under three-minute rules. That explosive victory, won in barely four minutes, not only crowned her the vacant WBC 105-pound titlist but also cemented her status as Costa Rica’s premier fighting export. Fans in Guanacaste will be eager to witness history as Valle defends the very crown she seized on home turf.
Valle’s Championship Pedigree
At 33-3 with 10 knockouts, Valle boasts a résumé that most fighters only dream of: three world titles in three weight classes. She first dominated the atomweight division before stepping up to junior flyweight, and then set her sights on strawweight, where she has gone 11-1 in major title bouts. Her daring style—mixing disciplined footwork with heavy leather—has won praise across boxing circles, and her relentless work ethic underlines every punch she throws.
The Free Agent Advantage
Fresh off a flyweight victory over former unified champion Marlen Esparza in Cancun on March 29, Valle enters this fight in her free-agent era—no longer tied to Golden Boy Promotions and fully in control of her career trajectory. That hard-earned win, which saw Esparza miss weight and struggle to match Valle’s pacing, was part of a vow by Choco to return to 105 pounds and chase the undisputed crown she narrowly lost last March against Seniesa Estrada in Glendale.
Estrada, Retirement, and the Open Division
When Valle dropped her IBF and WBO straps to Estrada in a much-lauded undisputed title fight last March, the strawweight division reached a fever pitch. Estrada’s subsequent retirement left the field wide open—an opportunity Valle capitalized on by reclaiming the WBC belt but postponing her first defense until now. Her quest for undisputed status remains alive, and a successful defense against Gaspar could set the stage for a unification rematch later this year.
Gaspar’s Long-Awaited Return
Playing the role of underdog with an edge, Rocio Gaspar (12-2, 3 KOs) emerges from a 31-month hiatus to challenge for the same crown she once chased in Germany. Her last appearance was a ten-round unanimous decision loss to then-undefeated Tina Rupprecht in December 2022’s WBC meeting in Heilbronn. boxingscene.com Now back in action and fighting out of Peru for the second consecutive time, Gaspar brings seasoned resilience and a counter-punching arsenal aimed at unsettling the local hero.
The Arena: Rustic Charm Meets Raucous Energy
The Cámara de Ganaderos (Cattlemen’s Chamber) in Liberia may sound pastoral, but come fight night it transforms into a cauldron of anticipation. Located in the heart of Guanacaste’s agricultural belt—famed more for its cattle ranches than boxing gyms—the venue offers fans an intimate view of the action, where the scent of leather meets local lore. It’s where a community rallies behind its champions, and where Choco Valle first proved she belonged at the sport’s summit.
Yoka Sport & Boxing Promotions at the Helm
Promoted by Yoka Sport & Boxing Promotions, the outfit co-led by Valle and manager Mario Vega, this card marks the fourth major event staged by Costa Rica’s leading fight promotion in 2025—following a June 21 show in Cartago. Their goal: to elevate Costa Rican boxing by showcasing international-caliber bouts without ever leaving home. With Valle as both star and executive, the promotion blends insider expertise with local passion, ensuring production values rival any global stage.
High Stakes in the Strawweight World
Beyond national pride, the true prize is validation. A successful defense keeps Valle on track to reclaim undisputed status and chase the legacy of being the first woman to hold all four major titles at 105 pounds. For Gaspar, it’s a shot at redemption and a career-defining upset—one that would immediately vault her back into world-title contention across divisions.
More Than a Fight: Economic and Cultural Impact
Major boxing events are not just sporting spectacles—they are economic engines. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Guanacaste anticipate a surge in visitors, while local vendors gear up for a night of brisk business. Moreover, the card shines an international spotlight on Costa Rica’s boxing potential, boosting grassroots clubs and inspiring the next generation of Quebradores de Oro (Golden Breakers).
What Fans Can Expect
Expect a lively undercard featuring rising Costa Rican prospects, national anthem performances, and the electric atmosphere that only boxing delivers. Tickets range from ringside tables to general admission bleachers, catering to die-hard fight aficionados and casual spectators alike. Live streaming options are also in the works, ensuring global audiences can witness Valle’s title defense in real time.
Expert Breakdown: Styles and Strategies
Valle’s approach blends forward pressure with pinpoint combinations, often concluding exchanges with her signature body-head pivot that leaves opponents off-balance. Gaspar, by contrast, relies on southpaw angles and precise counter-strikes, seeking to exploit openings before Valle can unleash her power. Analysts predict a cautious early pace, with Choco likely to test Gaspar’s chin before ramping up the tempo in the championship rounds.
The Road Ahead: Beyond July 18
Win or lose, the fallout from this fight will reshape the strawweight division. A Valle victory cements her role as Costa Rica’s premier fighting export and sets up the long-awaited rematch with Estrada or fresh unification bouts. Gaspar, with a statement win, could challenge for another world title at junior flyweight or attract marquee matchups across Latin America and Europe.
The Gender Game: Elevating Women’s Boxing
Women’s boxing continues to carve its niche, and high-profile defenses like this one are pivotal. Valle’s prominence as a female champion transcends the sport, inspiring broader conversations about equality in athletics. Her role as promoter further amplifies her influence, demonstrating that women can lead both inside and outside the ring.
Anticipation Reaches a Fever Pitch
As July 18 draws near, ticket sales have climbed steadily, and media buzz shows no sign of cooling. For Costa Ricans, this isn’t just another sporting event; it’s a celebration of national talent and perseverance. Whether you’re a boxing purist or new to the sweet science, Choco Valle’s homecoming defense promises drama, heartbreak, and maybe a knockout to remember.
