By: Sean Crose
Not all that way back, he was thought-about the only finest boxer on earth. He was the whole bundle, onerous hitting, disciplined and possessing profitable footwork. There was little doubt that Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez was, if not on the summit of boxing’s Mount Olympus, then at most only a step or two beneath it. Latest historical past stays historical past, nonetheless, and now Gonzalez, at 37 years of age, is broadly thought to be previous his prime – and never with out good motive. He misplaced his second struggle in a row to Juan Francisco Estrada again in late 2022 in spite of everything…and he hasn’t been within the ring since then.
But Gonzalez, who will probably be returning to motion this Friday in his native Nicaragua, feels he nonetheless has sufficient left in him to rise as soon as extra to success. Certainly, the 51-4 Gonzalez will probably be battling the 27-5 Rober Barrera on the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua. The struggle, which is scheduled for 10 rounds, will probably be within the bantamweight division, the place Gonzalez hopes to win a shocking fifth divisional world title. His earlier world titles had been within the tremendous flyweight, flyweight, gentle flyweight, and minimumweight divisions. Such a feat would high off an already legendary profession.
Does Gonzalez have what it takes to perform such a formidable activity, thought? The reality can’t be informed in the mean time, but when Gonzalez wins this week, he will probably be that a lot nearer to a different world title shot. Though he doesn’t have almost the resume Gonzalez has, Barrera has received 4 of his final 5 fights throughout the distance. A victory over a literal legend like Gonzalez – in Gonzalez’ homeland, no much less – could be a profession defining second. It’d very properly open new doorways for the veteran slugger from Columbia. A Barrera win may shut the curtain on Gonzalez’ illustrious profession.
Nonetheless, though Gonzalez is previous his glory days, it’s value remembering that the person has resurrected his resume earlier than. After having a depressing 2017, Gonzalez gave the impression to be utterly washed up. He then went on to win 4 in a row, nonetheless, selecting up the WBA tremendous flyweight title within the course of. May Gonzalez get pleasure from an identical comeback this time round? It definitely isn’t unattainable, although it must be famous {that a} 37 yr outdated bantamweight is likely to be really placing himself in appreciable hazard when coming into the ring – each career-wise and bodily. Time is an undefeated foe, in spite of everything.
