Author Archive

BY Heather 

Introduction

Byron Rojas (29-5-3, 12 KOs) was born and raised in Nicaragua. He is currently ranked #3 Flyweight in Nicaragua, and #64 in the world by BoxRec.com.  He is an exemplary fighter who has earned several title shots . When he was living in Nicaragua, in 2016 he had fought for the IBO World Minimum title and won by unanimous decision; however he was not eligible to win the title due to a technicality.

On July 25, 2025, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Mr. Rojas lost a split decision to Andy Dominguez Velasquez. The WBC USA Silver Light Flyweight title was on the line. I feel that Rojas should have won the bout or it should have been a draw. It appeared that Byron was getting more punches in than Andy.

Q&A

FightMatrix: What was it like growing up in Nicaragua?

Byron Rojas: To be born and grow up in Nicaragua was the best, I had a childhood with low economic resources but I enjoyed it.

FM:  What values are most important to you in life?

BR: Respect is the most important value for me. We can’t see anyone below us.

FM: At what age did you begin to box?

BR: I started in a boxing school at 13, but in my house and in my neighborhood, my steps began learning my first strokes.

FM: For how many years did you box before winning a title in Nicaragua? When you won the bout, what were you thinking of?

BR: I won many fights and national events in amateur boxing, but my first national title was in 2013. Ten years after having started boxing, and when this happened I was very happy, and thinking that winning this would be one more step on the ladder towards a world championship fight.

FM: When and why did you move to Holland, Michigan? Can you please tell me what you enjoy about residing there?

BR: For the first time, I traveled to Holland in 2016 to visit my family. After this I returned to my country, but  Nicaragua in 2018 became a dangerous country due to socio-political problems, which made me emigrate. I lived in Miami and Massachusetts before returning to Holland. I think my destiny was to be here because here I met great people and I also have relatives who have lived here for many years.

FM: When first moving to Michigan, was it difficult to acclimate to the weather. Especially, the winters?

BR: Yes, this was the most difficult thing to get used to the weather, winter is extreme but this is already over.

FM: What are your hobbies?

BR: I like fishing and hunting, but what I do here as a hobby is salmon fishing!

M: You have a lot of endurance and powerful punches! Will you tell us, what does a daily training session look like for you? How many days a week do you train typically?

BR: I usually train from Monday to Saturday, in the morning I run for an hour (5 miles) and we have different training sessions in the afternoon such as sparring and bag work.

FM: Who were your biggest mentors growing up, and in your career?

BR: My greatest mentors were Roger Rivas, Lino Rivas and Marlon Rivas were with whom I started in boxing and with them I developed my boxing style and did most of my professional fights, but also on the way I found great coaches who have contributed to my career.

FM: I watched your match against Andy Dominguez and feel that you should have won. When looking back do you feel the same way?

BR: I undoubtedly think they stripped me of a great clear victory in front of the public.

FM: You have an awesome record! Do you feel that you just are constantly improving your skills and techniques? If so, in what way?

BR: I always believe that in boxing you learn every day, and I have a great team that is willing to do it too, I think we have improved my defense a lot and my way of moving forward since we put a lot of pressure in the fights.

FM: What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

BR: To become a world champion again, give that joy once again to my family, my country and my people in Holland, MI.

FM: Who were your biggest mentors growing up, and in your career?

BR: My greatest mentors were Roger Rivas, Lino Rivas and Marlon Rivas were with whom I started in boxing and with them I developed my boxing style and did most of my professional fights, but also on the way I found great coaches who have contributed to my career.

FM: I watched your match against Andy Dominguez and feel that you should have won. When looking back do you feel the same way?

BR: I undoubtedly think they stripped me of a great clear victory in front of the public.

FM: You have an awesome record! Do you feel that you just are constantly improving your skills and techniques? If so, in what way?

BR: I always believe that in boxing you learn every day, and I have a great team that is willing to do it too, I think we have improved my defense a lot and my way of moving forward since we put a lot of pressure in the fights.

FM: What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

BR: To become a world champion again, give that joy once again to my family, my country and my people in Holland, MI.

Heather

MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. As a teenager I practiced Judo, this is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.