Roman Gonzalez Brings the Fighter’s Mentality into Match with Julio Cesar Martinez
Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (50-3, 41 KOs) has established himself as one of the best fighters of his generation, regardless of weight. On March 5, the 34-year-old will face reigning WBC flyweight champion “El Rey” Julio Cesar Martinez 18-1, 14 KOs in a twelve-round, non-title bout at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
Martinez is a replacement for WBA Super junior bantamweight titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada, who withdrew after contracting COVID-19. Having lost to Estrada by disputed split decision in March 2021 in what was 3Kings Boxing’s Fight of the Year, fans were looking forward to seeing those two warriors strap it up for what would’ve been a third time.
KEEPING HIS COMMITMENT
Some may ask why “Chocolatito” would decide to take on the younger, hard-hitting, aggressive opponent like Martinez on short notice? During an interview with Matchroom Boxing, the vet explained.
“They offered me this fight against Rey Martinez. It was no problem for me. What I want to do is fight, and it was also so that the training camp would not have been done in vain. And I said, ‘it’s fine, no problem. That’s why we are here, right?’
The fight was presented to me and well, I never imagined I would fight him because he is the champion at 112. He is right now in his prime. He is reigning in that division. I’ve always said that there is no such thing as a small opponent. All are good. They all have hands, and one hand can finish a fight.
He is a young man who has his own particular qualities. He is good, strong and most of all, I’m hoping that both of us come out well from the fight. And may the best one win.”
A THROWBACK FIGHTER
His rationale was old-school; admirable in this current era where fighters tend to be selective about who and when they fight. Gonzalez’s mindset, along with his humility, endears him to hardcore fans. Martinez is a dangerous opponent who can win. However, Gonzalez has seen it all. Line them up, and he will fight them. That’s been his approach throughout his career.
The viewers will benefit on March 5 in San Diego. Both Gonzalez and Martinez are come-forward fighters that throw punches in bunches. They each carry power and are willing to take a shot to land their pound of flesh. If styles make fights, this one has the ingredients of a barnburner.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr
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