By: Sean Crose
Not all that way back, he was thought of the only greatest boxer on earth. He was your entire package deal, laborious hitting, disciplined and possessing successful 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 under it. Latest historical past stays historical past, nonetheless, and now Gonzalez, at 37 years of age, is extensively considered previous his prime – and never with out good cause. He misplaced his second combat 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 likely 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 likely be battling the 27-5 Rober Barrera on the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua. The combat, which is scheduled for 10 rounds, will likely be within the bantamweight division, the place Gonzalez hopes to win a shocking fifth divisional world title. His earlier world titles have been within the tremendous flyweight, flyweight, mild flyweight, and minimumweight divisions. Such a feat would prime off an already legendary profession.
Does Gonzalez have what it takes to perform such a formidable process, thought? The reality can’t be instructed in the mean time, but when Gonzalez wins this week, he will likely be that a lot nearer to a different world title shot. Though he doesn’t have practically the resume Gonzalez has, Barrera has gained 4 of his final 5 fights inside the distance. A victory over a literal legend like Gonzalez – in Gonzalez’ homeland, no much less – could be a profession defining second. It would very nicely open new doorways for the veteran slugger from Columbia. A Barrera win can also shut the curtain on Gonzalez’ illustrious profession.
Nonetheless, though Gonzalez is previous his glory days, it’s price remembering that the person has resurrected his resume earlier than. After having a depressing 2017, Gonzalez seemed to be utterly washed up. He then went on to win 4 in a row, nonetheless, choosing up the WBA tremendous flyweight title within the course of. Might Gonzalez take pleasure in an identical comeback this time round? It actually isn’t unimaginable, although it must be famous {that a} 37 12 months previous bantamweight may be really placing himself in appreciable hazard when getting into the ring – each career-wise and bodily. Time is an undefeated foe, in spite of everything.
