Yoel Romero vs Bo Nickal: From Supermatch to Legitimate Showdown

It’s sometimes unfathomable how much of a difference one event can make. When Bo Nickal vs Yoel Romero was announced at RAF 3 the world was excited for the prospect of Cael Sanderson’s pupil taking on his former foe but after RAF04 the dynamic has violently shifted.

Very few American athletes in general have grown as used to success as Bo Nickal. Hodge Trophy winner, RAF Light Heavyweight Champion, three time National Champion and his personal favorite, undefeated against Iowa. Nickal finished his NCAA career 120-3 avenging all of the losses he took before going out on top.

It sometimes seems like it would take a time traveler to bring back prime wrestlers from the past to pose a threat to the RAF Champion. Yoel Romero is a solid wrestler in his own right, but Nickal is simply a different animal, some were saying before RAF04.

When Nickal pulled out of the title matchup with Romero, RAF pulled the surging, hungry Pat Downey to step in and take on Romero for number one contention. Downey is one of the most dangerous men on roster and Romero secured a dominant 10-0 tech fall victory in a shade over two rounds.

The world took notice and the “fun supermatch” is now a legit test of Light Heavyweight supremacy.

Romero dominated Downey but handled Father Time even worse. Should Nickal expect an easy night out due to Romero’s advanced age, he’s going to find himself with his back against the wall.

Romero already had an Olympic silver medal skillset. Where many may have lost a step, the “Soldier of God” was so aggressive and quick on his feet, Downey was simply unable to get his offense moving at all. The double legs were dangerous, the feet were quick, the hips were heavy and the Fishers, Indiana crowd all witnessed the birth of a legitimate threat to Nickal’s RAF strap.

Nickal may be well aware that his reign is on notice but brings in weapons that Romero didn’t face with Downey.

Despite all of the offensive powerhouses Romero has faced in his storied career, Nickal possesses scoring ability and comfort in chaotic scrambles that the 48-year-old has likely never seen before.

Taking the mat in his physical prime and smirking at anybody daring to challenge him, Nickal won’t let the recent buzz around Romero’s performance rattle him but Romero has the wind at his back and is taking the mat in his backyard. Yoel Romero vs Bo Nickal for the RAF Light Heavyweight title may have been a fun supermatch to some, it’s now one of the biggest matches on a stacked card.

Don’t blink because both men swing for the fences and are looking to make a statement.

Will Yoel Romero dethrone Bo Nickal or will the Penn State Nittany Lion put to bed all the recent hype? Find out Saturday, January 10 ONLY on Fox Nation!