The big comeback is on for 37-year-old master Gonzalez, who boxes Rober Barrera in Managua on July 12. After winning world titles at minimumweight, light-flyweight, flyweight and super-flyweight, the ageless stylist has his sights set on conquering a fifth weight class. Few would bet against him, writes Phil Rogers .
Every nation needs its heroes. Some provide inspiration and hope through their remarkable feats; others symbolise a set of collective ideals to aspire towards. For the people of Nicaragua, a country diminutive in stature, famed for its stunning artistry and herculean in its resilience, their national treasure could not be more fitting.
Roman Gonzalez has spent the last 19 years dazzling boxing fans across the planet as he’s continued to conquer multiple weight classes. Few fighters can claim to bring a sense of balletic beauty to the violence they dispense quite like ‘Chocolatito’, but in order to expose his supreme talent to the world, this modern great has had to take to the road for opportunity and recognition. Finally, after nine years away, the prodigal son returns on July 12 to face Rober ‘El Huracan’ Barrera.
For Gonzalez, it’s not only a huge homecoming but an opportunity to work towards his dream of becoming six-time, five-weight, world champion. “I’m feeling motivated and happy to finally return home,” he tells Boxing News . “This is a historic fight after so much time without me fighting in my own country.
It is hard because plannin.
