Roman Gonzalez Returns To Ring In Nicaragua

One of boxing's all-time great fighters among the small weight divisions, Roman Gonzalez, will return to the ring in a fight at home in Managua, Nicaragua.

Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez returns to the ring on July 12 at home in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo: All-Star Boxing

The fight, called “Regresa A Casa” (“Return Home,” or “Homecoming”) scheduled for Friday, July 12, is anticipated to be Nicaragua's biggest boxing event since the legendary Alexis Argüello last fought on home soil on December 18, 1977, in the same venue now named for the late champion, the 15,000-seat Polideportivo Alexis Argüello.

The fight is scheduled to air on “ESPN Knock Out,” the Spanish language boxing series.

The five-time world champion known as “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (51-4, 41 KOs) and his manager Carlos Blandon joined promoter Felix “Tuto” Zabala Jr. of All Star Boxing on Thursday to announce the event during a live news conference in Managua, Nicaragua.

Roman Gonzalez hopes to become a six-time champion in front of his nation's fans on July 12 at home in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo: CCC/Jairo Cajina

“I am super happy and excited to be fighting in front of all my family, the Nicaraguan people,” said Gonzalez. “It will be a dream come true if I can crown myself a six-time champion in five different divisions here in Nicaragua.”

“The Nicaraguan people will experience a historic night of boxing. I am happy to deliver this along with my partner and mentor, Mr. Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions,” said Zabala.

“We have been diligently working in the country for over 20 years developing boxing in the region and producing world title fights. Roman was always a dream to have, and now we are making it a reality. This will be a special one.”

Ring Rust A Factor For Roman Gonzalez

Gonzalez, who will be 37 by the time of the fight, has been out of the ring for 19 months. In his last fight on December 3, 2022, Gonzalez lost a disputed majority decision to WBC World Flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada in the third fight of their storied trilogy.

No opponent has been named for the July 12 bout. However, according to a statement from All Star Boxing, five different opponents are on the table to face Gonzalez, including from “countries like Mexico, United States, Panama, and the Philippines.”

Given his time out of the ring and his age, it seems doubtful Gonzalez would face a top-level talent. Staging the fight in front of Gonzalez's home fans for the first time since he began his championship run in 2015 positions this appearance as perhaps a “farewell fight.” No one deserves it more.

Roman Gonzalez is among the world's best fighters in the lower-weight divisions. Photo: Naoki Fukuda

Starting with his first title win in Yokohama, Japan in 2008, defeating Yutaka Niida for the WBC World Minimumweight belt, Gonzalez has fought in 22 world title fights. He is the first boxer from Nicaragua to win world titles in four weight classes, having surpassed his mentor, idol, and former three-weight world champion Argüello.

With his technical brilliance, punching power, and humble demeanor as a champion, Gonzalez helped call attention to the talent and thrilling action in the smaller weight divisions. Although he said he fought primarily to feed his family, he also fought for “the honor and glory” of his native country and, as a devoted Christian, for his faith.

Roman Gonzalez took command over Julio Cesar Martinez during their March 5, 2022, fight at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. Photo: Ed Mulholland, Matchroom.

After his first two losses in 2017, including a devastating knockout loss to Srisikat Sor Runvisai, which followed the death of his beloved trainer Arnulfo Obando at age 54 due to a stroke in 2016, the impressive career of Gonzalez seemed over.

But Gonzalez persevered and showed he still had what it took to win in a thrilling 2022 victory over Julio Cesar Martinez in San Diego.

Gonzalez's manager, Carlos Blandon, admitted, “After this inactivity of close to 19 months, it will make for a very interesting fight. We expect a positive victory and look forward to a title shot thereafter – and why not at home with the support of his fans?”