Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez has now confirmed his opponent for the historic return on July 12 at the Alexis Arguello Arena in Managua, Nicaragua. Gonzalez will face former WBA world title challenger Rober “El Huracan” Barrera (27-5 17 KO’s) in a 10-round Main Event. The show will stream live on ESPN+ and ESPN Knockout in Latin America.
Gonzalez will shake off the ring rust after 18 months of inactivity by the time he steps in the ring. “Chocolatito” was last seen in the trilogy against Juan Francisco Estrada December of 2022.
“We are anxious to get back in the ring. This will be a big comeback in my career and I”m grateful it’s going to be in front of my Nicaraguan people,” stated the former 5x world champion Roman Gonzalez.
Rober Barrera on the other hand is ready to shock the world, Hailing from Monteria, Colombia the very same city to great champions with the most notable being Miguel “Happy” Lora who brought great glory to his countries in the 80’s and 90’s.
Barrera comes from a fighting family himself, His brother Ronald Barrera lost to Chocolatito in Nicaragua, Now his brother nearly 10 years later will look to upset the applecart in Gonzalez’ homecoming fight.
“I’m blessed for the opportunity given to me” stated former title challenger Barrera. ” For me this will be revenge of my brother’s defeat who fought Chocolaittio in 2013.”
The first face-to-face took place today at Alexis Arguello Arena with a big turnout of the press.
future hall of fame, cherry picking
He has every right to fight and try to regain past glory, but it bums me out when once great fighters become very ordinary fighters. I feel it tarnishes their career and their greatness. Chocalito’s style was as close to technically perfect as a boxer can be, but now he struggles against fighters who not so long ago would have absolutely no business being in the same ring as he. Same thing with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, and Erik Morales, to just about every great fighter to ever enter the ring.Very few boxers quit while they’re ahead
Sorry Kris, but your comment make no sense. Could you tell me with which ordinary boxer Chocolatito struggled recently, or better yet, last 5 fights??
I know that Chocolatito is way past his peak, but this picture is very telling. Once upon a time, Gonzalez walked around in-between fights with cheeks like Barrera in this picture. Once we hit that point of no return, the face just swelled up and refuses to leave. Mosely is the most recent fighter that comes to mind.
If Barrera comes in laser focused, he can out-slick Gonzalez in possibly his farewell fight in Nicaragua.