He turned professional in 1997 after representing Mexico within the 1996 Olympics. He would go undefeated in his first 27 bouts. Included on this was a basic, back-and-forth (ESPN Struggle of the Yr) slug-fest with Julian Letterlough (RIP) in what can simply be included in any ‘basic fights’ checklist.
In 2001, he would face legend Roy Jones Jr., for the sunshine heavyweight title at Staples Centre in Los Angeles. Whereas he didn’t win, he went the gap with the (then seemingly) untouchable Jones. Gonzalez garnered the respect of Jones, and each fan who noticed the struggle.
Gonzalez was 6’ 2” however didn’t struggle like a tall man, he fought like a brawler. He beloved to get in your grill and let the leather-based fly. An iron chin and a tenacious work price have been his best expertise.
After the Jones struggle, he would rack up 7 extra wins, together with beating world champion Glen Johnson, taking him into the autumn of 2003. In October he travelled to Germany to face champion Darius Michalczewski for the WBO gentle heavyweight title.
He beat him in a SD 12.
The California-residing, Mexico-born brawler may now say he was amongst the easiest – he was a world champion and the primary ever Mexican to win the 175-pound title.
He misplaced the title 3 months later again in Germany to Zsolt Erdel however he put collectively 3 extra wins that 12 months, together with beating world champion Montell Griffin, and earned a title shot towards Clinton Woods for the IBF gentle heavyweight title. He would come up brief each instances he fought Woods however gave a fantastic and gutsy account of himself in every struggle.
Over the following few years, he would shut out his profession going 2-2 together with bouts with champions Reggie Johnson and Tavoris Cloud.
Gonzalez had his final struggle in 2011. Sadly, a 12 months later, he was killed in his native Mexico after being hit by a drunk driver.
In his 14-year profession, Gonzalez confronted 7 world champions and had a wonderful ledger of 49 fights, with 41 wins and 25 knockouts. As good a man out of the ring as he was ferocious in it. As robust and proficient a warrior as you’ll ever hope to see. He was the consummate professional who would struggle anybody, anytime. He gave the identical effort every trip – every thing he had.
This month marks 12 years since his final struggle. However, anybody who had the pleasure of seeing Gonzalez struggle will definitely bear in mind him.
He deserves to be remembered; he (greater than) earned that.
Julio – we haven’t forgotten the thrills you gave us within the ring and extra importantly we haven’t forgotten you.
After his passing, the Julio Gonzalez Memorial Basis was began in his reminiscence.
2 kids survived Julio.
Lately, former publicist and good friend Rachel Charles, who at all times had nothing however nice issues to say about her good friend, remembered him fondly.
“Who’s chopping onions?”, she joked in reference to her tearing up in remembering him. “Massive kiss in the direction of heaven for Julio”, she stated.
Gone however not forgotten Champ. Relaxation in peace.
