Written by: Sean Crose
Not so long ago, he was considered the best boxer in the world. He was the whole package, hard hitting, well behaved and with a winning foot. There was little doubt that Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez was, if not at the top of boxing's Mount Olympus, then at least a step or two below it. Recent history remains history, however, and now Gonzalez, at 37 years old, is widely considered to be past his prime — and for no good reason. He lost his second fight in a row to Juan Francisco Estrada back in late 2022…and hasn't been in the ring since.
However, Gonzalez, who will return to work this Friday in his home country of Nicaragua, feels he is ready enough to win again. Indeed, the 51-4 Gonzalez will be fighting the 27-5 Rober Barrera at Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua. The 10-round fight will be at bantamweight where Gonzalez hopes to win an incredible fifth world title. His previous world titles were at super flyweight, flyweight, light flyweight, and minimumweight. Such an action can lead to a career that is already popular.
Does Gonzalez have what it takes to accomplish such a big task, think? The truth won't be told yet, but if Gonzalez wins this week, he'll be one step closer to another world title. Although he doesn't have nearly the resume of Gonzalez, Barrera has won four of his five fights from the distance. Defeating a legend like Gonzalez — in Gonzalez's home country, at least — can be a career-defining moment. It could open new doors for the veteran slugger from Columbia. Barrera's win could close the curtain on Gonzalez's impressive career.
Still, even though Gonzalez is past his glory days, it's worth remembering that the man has sparked his streak before. After having a miserable 2017, Gonzalez seemed completely washed out. He went on to win four in a row, however, taking the WBA super flyweight title away. Would Gonzalez enjoy a similar comeback this time around? It's highly unlikely, although it should be noted that the 37-year-old bantamweight could be putting himself in serious danger when he steps into the ring – both professionally and physically. Time is an undefeated enemy, after all.
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