By: Sean Crose
He definitely regarded like a completed man again in 2017. There he was, sprawled out on the ring, having simply been destroyed by Sirksaret Sor Rungvisai – his second loss in a row. Maybe individuals had good motive to really feel that Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez was a pressure no extra. He was pushing thirty, in spite of everything, not a younger age for fighters who function within the lighter weight realms, as Chocolatito had. What’s extra, the longer term Corridor of Famer had been getting greater bodily whereas taking over greater challenges. Chocolatito’s battle the earlier 12 months in opposition to Carlos Cuadras had been no straightforward affair for the Nicaraguan. Once more, Chocolatito regarded like a completed man as he lie crumpled on the ft of of Sor Rungvisai.
That was then…since that point, issues have modified. First, Chocolatito took a 12 months off from the ring. Then, the person went on to win 4 fights in a row, three of these occasions inside the distance. Lastly, Chocolatito slipped between the ropes final 12 months to face Juan Francisco Estrada for the second time. At stake have been the WBA and WBC tremendous flyweight titles. Though he ended up shedding the struggle by way of controversial resolution, it was clear to everybody that Chocolatito had returned to type – a least to a big diploma.
Chocolatito-Estrada 3 was subsequently set to go down, however Covid 19 took Estrada out of the event. In stepped WBC flyweight titlist Julio Cesar Martinez, and final weekend, he and Chocolatito threw down in San Diego. It was, to make certain, an entire grasp class on the a part of the veteran Chocolatito, as he totally overwhelmed his youthful opponent. Whereas nobody may argue that Martinez was sport, powerful, and expert, he was merely no match for a fighter of Chocolatito’s caliber. Using a pointy protection whereas pressuring relentlessly and throwing thudding photographs with laser like accuracy, the 4 time champion dominated and beat up Martinez for the strong majority of the twelve spherical struggle. Evidently, the judges dominated in Chocolatito’s favor after the ultimate bell had sounded.
Typically followers merely must step again and marvel at a fighter’s accomplishments. Not solely has Chocolatito gained titles in 4 divisions, he has now come again from the abyss to reassert himself as one of many acknowledged energetic greats of the game. The person’s second act truly provides to the legacy that his first act had established. Few individuals can obtain greatness. Even fewer can obtain it twice. Chocolatito is now within the firm of a uncommon few.
