Featherweight title contender, Joet Gonzalez (25-2, 15 KOs) spoke about his recent TKO win over Filipino Jeo Santisima over the weekend on ESPN. The fight was all action until it was stopped in Gonzalez’s favor in the ninth round with his opponent absorbing too much punishment. “It was a hell of a fight. He was really tough and we had some back and forth going in the beginning but I persisted and eventually I got the stoppage.”
It was a nonstop pace from the start as Santisima gave as good as he got. Gonzalez eventually proved his mettle by enduring the attacks and coming back with accurate barrages of damaging punches. The referee decided Santisima had taken enough shots and halted the bout.
Gonzalez felt it was a good stoppage. “It’s the referee’s job to watch for our safety and I was landing a lot of solid shots. I could see that he was starting to break. Any further and a real injury could’ve developed. I know he didn’t want to quit because he’s a true warrior but it was a just stoppage. Any more damage would’ve been unnecessary.”
What are the future plans for Gonzalez? According to manager Frank Espinoza, another title shot is not out of the question. “Joet proved with this win that he’s got a lot left in him. He looked strong and determined. We’re going to keep moving forward with the goal of securing him another title shot.”
“I was happy with Joet’s performance,” added Espinoza. “He’ll be a problem for any of the top featherweights. I think he can eventually be a world champion. And I think he has a very fan-friendly style. He’s an exciting fighter to watch.”
Gonzalez was formerly with Golden Boy Promotions but recently made the switch to Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions company.
“I’m very happy to be a part of Top Rank,” said Gonzalez. “My manager Frank Espinoza got me in the mix with them and I couldn’t be in a better situation.”
Gonzalez would be very happy to get another title shot. “I’m going to keep working my way up. I’m going to prove that I deserve another title shot,” he stated. “Once I beat everyone I have to beat, no one can deny me the opportunity.”
Gonzalez – Dogboe next??
hes currently ranked #1 by the WBO so why not Navarette or IBF champion Kid Galahad or a fight against Mauricio Lara
Those aren’t updated rankings. Gonzalez already fought Navarrete in October. He’s ranked #6 now, Dogboe is #1 but, of course, no wants to see Dogboe – Navarrete. And Galahad lost as well to Kiko Martinez who is fighting Warrington in a couple of weeks.