Jonathan Gonzalez May Bypass Unifying At 108 to Jump to 112
It wasn’t the easiest title defense at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico for reigning WBO junior flyweight champion Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (28-3-1, 14 KOs). However, he took care of business in defeating WBO Interim champion Rene “Chulo” Santiago (12-4, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, and 117-111). Now the question is, was this Gonzalez’s last fight at light flyweight for a move to the flyweight division?
PLENTY TO THINK OVER
During the post-fight interview, Gonzalez was asked about his future. Unsure about what’s next, he said the following:
“It’s a little bit hard to make 108 pounds. I can’t do my best or be at one hundred percent. I want to sit down with my team and see what’s next.
“[…] I have to talk to my team. They will decide if I go up to 112. They will decide if I unify against Kenshiro or Nontshinga. I have to sit down with my doctor and my team and see what’s up.”
Should he move up to flyweight, the WBO rules state that he would be immediately named the number one contender. With reigning WBO flyweight champion Jesse Rodriguez moving up to super flyweight to face Juan Francisco Estrada later this year, Gonzalez could fight for the soon-to-be vacant title.
Then again, there is the prospect of a unification at light flyweight, particularly against unified champion Kenshiro Teraji. For over a year, there have been rumors of them fighting. Gonzalez still wants it to happen, but only if he’s paid top dollar!
Gonzalez is about to embark on the most critical decision of his pro career. Will he stay at junior flyweight for a unification with Teraji, or is he ready to leave for the division and attempt to become a two-division champion?
