From reigning the pound-for-pound list for years to disappearing from boxing after suffering a devastating knockout by the hands of the WBC Super Flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez returned to the ring a year later to deliver a knockout just as brutal against Mexican contender Moises Fuentes.
The majority of boxing enthusiasts were intrigued to see Roman’s return, as we’ve seen time and time again that most boxers often continue to deteriorate in their careers following back-to-back losses and destructive knockouts. Besides the apparent physical damage, the mental and emotional toll taken by losing after being held at such a high standard in the boxing world is what truly affects the mindset of the fighters once they step back in the ring.
Last Saturday, Sept. 15, fans got a feel of what Gonzalez (47-2, 39 KOs) still had in left in the tank as he knocked Moises Fuentes out cold at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, as the HBO PPV opening bout for the Canelo v. GGG rematch. The Nicaraguan’s fifth-round knockout impressed the fans, but many on social media also wondered how Gonzalez would do against the top dogs in his division.
Though both of Roman’s losses come at the hands of one man, it was evident prior to his defeats that he had experienced tougher challenges after moving up in weight. In his second super flyweight bout, Roman faced Mexican former world champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras who stood toe-to-toe with Roman for the entirety of their 12-round bout. Regardless of Roman getting a unanimous decision win from the judges, some fans online argued Cuadras had been the better fighter that night and at least deserved a draw.
In an interview for Xicana Boxing, Roman expressed interest in becoming a world champion once again and assured he’d dedicate himself to having another belt around his waist. Max Kellerman along with other HBO commentators claimed it was “the end of Chocolatito” after suffering the savage knockout last year, but after his victory last Saturday, he is one step closer to achieving his goals and proving them he can come back as strong as ever.
Comments