Roman Gonzalez On a Quest To Once Again Become a World Champion
Coming into his bout against WBA World Super Flyweight champion Kal Yafai (26-0, 15 KOs) on February 29 at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, Roman Gonzalez (48-2, 40 KOs) has nothing to prove as far as his legacy or resume. Over the last decade-plus, the four-time, four-division former world champion has done more than most in the ring and is no doubt a future Hall of Famer.
Despite his many accomplishments, that doesn’t mean there are no questions about the man nicknamed ”Chocolatito”. For boxing observers and many long-time fans of Gonzalez, does the 32-year-old from Managua, Nicaragua still have what it takes? Can he regain the form that had pundits at one time calling him the best Pound For Pound boxer in the sport?
DEALING WITH TOUGH TIMES
2017-2019 was a frustrating and tumultuous time for Gonzalez. In March 2017, he shockingly lost the WBC Super Flyweight title by majority decision to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in a fight that was a huge surprise to many. He sought and received a rematch with Rungvisai in September 2017. However, things went from bad to worse as not only did Gonzalez lose the rematch, he was brutally knocked out in four rounds.
Following a comeback win over Moises Fuentes in September 2018, he was sidelined in December 2018 due to a torn meniscus. After surgery and rehab, Gonzalez returned to the ring in December 2019 with an easy two-round stoppage win over Diomel Diocos in Yokohama, Japan.
Ready To Regain the Crown
Now fully healthy and refreshed, one of the best Little Giants the sport has produced hopes to recapture past glory and become a five-time world champ. Forever humble, the Nicaraguan great is appreciative and is respectful of the defending champ.
“Kal Yafai has my respect. I always say all boxers, we are like family and fighting gets us to know each other more. I think the fight is going to bring out a lot of emotion. One of my dreams is to become a world champion again and whatever comes from that result is welcome.
I am just very happy to have this opportunity.
Winning another title; it will be a blessing from God to me and all my team. We will be very happy.”
Airing on the undercard of Mikey Garcia – Jessie Vargas live on DAZN, Yafai – Gonzalez may be the most intriguing fight of the night. And in a strange twist, it is the challenger who has garnered most of the attention during the pre-fight coverage.
If you’re a hardcore fan of the sport and follow the lower-weight divisions, this bout is one to look forward to. Can Gonzalez turn back the clock to the glory days of his dominant prime? The anticipation is high to see if the former Pound For Pound king is indeed “back”.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
