By: Sean Crose
Not all that way back, he was thought of the one finest boxer on earth. He was all the bundle, laborious 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. Recent historical past stays historical past, nevertheless, 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 any case…and he hasn’t been within the ring since then.
Yet Gonzalez, who will 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. Indeed, the 51-4 Gonzalez will be battling the 27-5 Rober Barrera on the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua. The combat, which is scheduled for 10 rounds, will be within the bantamweight division, the place Gonzalez hopes to win a surprising fifth divisional world title. His earlier world titles had been within the tremendous flyweight, flyweight, mild 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 process, thought? The fact can’t be informed for the time being, but when Gonzalez wins this week, he will be that a lot nearer to a different world title shot. Although he doesn’t have almost the resume Gonzalez has, Barrera has received 4 of his final 5 fights inside the distance. A victory over a literal legend like Gonzalez – in Gonzalez’ homeland, no much less – would be a profession defining second. It would possibly very effectively open new doorways for the veteran slugger from Columbia. A Barrera win may shut the curtain on Gonzalez’ illustrious profession.
Still, though Gonzalez is previous his glory days, it’s worth remembering that the person has resurrected his resume earlier than. After having a depressing 2017, Gonzalez appeared to be fully washed up. He then went on to win 4 in a row, nevertheless, choosing up the WBA tremendous flyweight title within the course of. Could Gonzalez get pleasure from the same comeback this time round? It definitely isn’t not possible, although it must be famous {that a} 37 yr previous bantamweight would possibly be actually placing himself in appreciable hazard when coming into the ring – each profession-smart and bodily. Time is an undefeated foe, in any case.
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