By: Sean Crose
Not all that way back, he was thought of the one finest boxer on earth. He was your entire package deal, 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 under it. Current historical past stays historical past, nonetheless, and now Gonzalez, at 37 years of age, is extensively thought to be previous his prime – and never with out good cause. He misplaced his second struggle in a row to Juan Francisco Estrada again in late 2022 in any case…and he hasn’t been within the ring since then.
But Gonzalez, who shall 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 shall be battling the 27-5 Rober Barrera on the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua. The struggle, which is scheduled for 10 rounds, shall 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 activity, thought? The reality can’t be instructed for the time being, but when Gonzalez wins this week, he shall 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 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 effectively 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 take pleasure in an identical comeback this time round? It definitely isn’t unimaginable, although it must be famous {that a} 37 yr outdated bantamweight is likely to be actually placing himself in appreciable hazard when coming into the ring – each career-wise and bodily. Time is an undefeated foe, in any case.
