Spanish boxer María del Carmen “Mary” Romero Molina will return to the ring on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to face Ewelina Pękalska of Poland for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver title in Almería. The bout, held in San Isidro, Níjar, marks Romero’s first competitive appearance following a seven-month recovery period from a hand injury that required surgery.
Organized by Fight Time Shock Promotion in collaboration with Paco Tejedor and Olimpo Box, the event starts at 7:00 PM local time. Both fighters bring international experience to the headline contest; Romero is a 40-year-old former European champion, while Pękalska remains undefeated through six professional outings.
The gala serves as a major platform for professional boxing in Spain, featuring two title fights at the top of the bill. It also integrates a significant amateur component, highlighting the developmental side of the sport before the professional athletes take over the ring.
Mary Romero returns from injury for WBC Silver title
The return of Mary Romero, known in boxing circles as “Maribicho,” follows a difficult stretch marked by injury and high-level defeats. Born in Puerto Lumbreras, Murcia, the Spanish fighter underwent surgery recently to address a serious hand issue. This injury sidelined her for nearly seven months since her last appearance.
Romero’s recent record reflects the elite level of her competition. On February 24, 2024, she lost to Dina Thorslund via eighth-round TKO in a bid for the WBC, WBO, and Ring female World bantamweight titles. More recently, on June 21, 2025, she dropped a majority decision to Stephanie Silva in Rome for the WBC Silver super flyweight title.
At 40 years old, Romero holds a professional record of 10 wins, including 2 knockouts, and 5 losses. A victory in Almería would represent a successful transition back to active competition and secure a secondary WBC belt. Her technical approach often draws comparisons to other disciplined champions, such as when Arturo Cárdenas defends Continental Americas super bantamweight title honors with poise.
Ewelina Pękalska provides undefeated test for Romero
Poland’s Ewelina Pękalska arrives in Spain as an undefeated challenger with a record of 6-0. At 39 years old, she matches Romero in maturity but has fewer professional rounds under her belt. Standing 5 feet 3 inches tall with a 63-inch reach, Pękalska has established herself as a flyweight contender who is difficult to break down.
Pękalska is described by organizers as an international rival of great demand. Though she has yet to score a professional knockout, her technical consistency has kept her record perfect since her debut. For Romero, who has previously campaigned at bantamweight and super-bantamweight, the clash presents a tactical challenge against a naturally smaller, mobile opponent.
Adaptability will be key for the Spaniard as she tests her repaired hand against Pękalska’s volume punching. Boxing historians often look at how veterans adjust their styles, much like how Roberto Duran identified Ken Buchanan as one of the smartest opponents due to his ring intelligence. Romero will likely need that same level of ring craft to navigate a younger opponent’s speed.
Professional card features Spanish flyweight championship
The Almería gala includes a professional segment highlighted by “two title fights” on the official schedule. While the WBC Silver bout headlines, the co-main event features a 10-round battle for the Spanish Professional Flyweight Championship.
This domestic title fight pits José María Fernández, known as “El Gallo,” against Juan Hinostroza, who fights under the moniker “El Bravo.” The inclusion of a national title adds depth to the card, ensuring that local fans see high-stakes Spanish boxing alongside the international WBC contest.
A third professional bout is scheduled for six rounds, featuring Spain’s José Antonio Sánchez “Rayito” against Venezuelan boxer Ángel Ramón Guedez. This matchup rounds out the professional portion of the evening, providing a diverse mix of national and international talent.
Gala schedule and amateur Olympic boxing matches
The event is staged as a full evening of pugilism, beginning with a heavy focus on the amateur ranks. Starting at 7:00 PM, the gala will feature ten amateur Olympic boxing matches. This structure allows local talent from Almería and surrounding regions to perform on the same stage as world-ranked professionals.
Following the conclusion of the ten amateur bouts, the professional card will commence. This traditional format—starting with grassroots talent and building toward professional title fights—is common in European boxing. Fans of the sport often appreciate these historic structures, similar to how Eddie Hearn views historic moments as essential for the sport’s global expansion.
The venue in San Isidro, Níjar, will host the transition from these developmental matches to the main event. While no specific broadcast details have been confirmed for international streaming, the local collaboration between Fight Time Shock and Olimpo Box ensures the event provides a platform for athletes at every stage of their career.
Full Professional Bout List
- Main Event (WBC Silver Title): Mary Romero (Spain) vs. Ewelina Pękalska (Poland)
- Spanish Flyweight Championship (10 rounds): José María Fernández vs. Juan Hinostroza
- Professional Bout (6 rounds): José Antonio Sánchez vs. Ángel Ramón Guedez
As the date approaches, the focus remains on whether Romero’s hand will withstand the rigors of a championship-level fight. For Pękalska, the trip to Almería represents her most high-profile opportunity to date to secure a top-ten ranking within the WBC. Admission and ticket details for the San Isidro venue remain local to the Almería region.
