Roman Gonzalez Turns Back Time Friday with TKO Win

For several glorious rounds on Friday night, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez of Nicaragua (52-4, 42 KOs) turned back time for his devoted fans. The 37-year-old four-division champion delivered a victory in classic style, battering Rober Barrera of Colombia (27-6, 17 KOs) and scoring two knockdowns en route to a tenth-round TKO win.

After 19 months out of the ring after a loss to longtime foe Juan Francisco Estrada, no one could be sure what they might see in Gonzalez’s return to the ring: ring rust, age, or dimming of the fire, making the beloved Nicaraguan among the most exciting boxers in the smaller weight divisions.

Roman Gonzalez In Hall Of Fame Form

Roman Gonzalez celebrates his victory Friday in Nicaragua. Photo: Erick Martinez

None of these concerns were an issue. As the fans present roared with every punch and vigorously sounded their vuvuzelas horns, Gonzalez settled in after a few competitive early rounds to take Barrera apart, as he has so many opponents over the years.

Gonzalez called it a demanding fight, saying of Barrera. “I was surprised that this young man could take a lot of punishment, but we’re here and we’re back again in my home country of Nicaragua. It was a good fight.”

It took Gonzalez a few rounds to settle in, in part due to an early headbutt class in the first round. After a cautious second round, his corner asked Gonzalez what was going on. “I told them I was afraid of the headbutts. I tried to keep him at a distance and counterpunch,” said Gonzalez.

Whether or not the discussion with the corner settled him down, Gonzalez started getting into the groove in the third round, increasing his punch output and connect percentage. He caught Barrera with a right hook and tried to capitalize on it. He landed a second right hook but was unable to get Barrera out early.

Barrera tried his best to keep up the pace, but Gonzalez saw the punches coming and deflected or avoided the majority of them. Barrera started losing steam. When a veteran like Gonzalez sees his opponent wearing down, it’s motivating.

Gonzalez showed impressive stamina as he continued to hit Barrera with the power-punching kitchen sink, adding uppercuts and body shots to the hooks. From the sixth round on, Barrera was effectively done, although still bravely going through the motions.

Two Knockdowns and a Big TKO Win

Gonzalez landed the first of his two knockdowns in the eighth round with a left hook to the liver. Perhaps he was inspired by sparring partner and Teiken Promotions stablemate Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez,” who stopped Estrada with a similar punch. Barrera took a knee to beat the count and finish the round.

Gonzalez dropped Barrera the second time in the ninth round with a left hook to the jaw. Barrera dropped to a knee again. At this point, it was unclear why referee Ramon Gonzalez (no typo and no relation) let Barrera continue.

Finally, referee Gonzalez saw fit to step in 51 seconds into the tenth round, giving the victory to Chocolatito and his entire nation.

It was a shining moment and one longtime champions hope for as they see the finish line of their careers, but all too rarely happens. All of boxing celebrated on Friday along with this improbable hero, who surpassed his hero and countryman Alexis Arguello to become Nicaragua’s all-time greatest boxer.

Should Roman Gonzalez Retire or Fight On?

Roman Gonzalez picked apart Julio Cesar Martinez in an impressive display of skills at Pechanga Arena in San Diego in 2022. Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.

Speaking as a voter, there is no shred of doubt that Gonzalez will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He has nothing more to prove to anyone, including himself.

But the temptation to achieve one more goal is difficult to resist. Gonzalez would like to win a title in his fifth weight division at bantamweight. He fought Friday at 117 pounds, saying he felt great.

“If I’m given another opportunity (to fight for a world title), then of course,” he said of his interest. “I took care of myself really well this camp. I did things well. That’s why I didn’t struggle to make weight. And now we’re back again.”

The opportunity might come against WBO World Bantamweight champion Kosei Tanaka of Japan (20-1, 11 KOs). Tanaka, age 29, will defend his title next weekend against Jonathan Rodriguez of Mexico in Tokyo. (25-2, 17 KOs). It is the first fight outside Mexico for Rodriguez, who has never faced anyone at Tanaka’s level.

The other tantalizing idea is a fight against his Teiken stablemate Rodriguez. Promoter Akihiko Honda has long disliked his stars fighting each other. The 24-year-old Rodriguez has said publicly he’s not interested in facing Chocolatito. But Gonzalez left the door open in remarks after his win on Friday.

My opinion will not affect anyone’s decision. But count me as one who would like to see Gonzalez walk into retirement with his head held high after a glorious career finale and celebration with his family, friends and countrymen at Polideportivo Alexis Arguello. Chasing a fifth-weight division title will not change anything except a number, and risking a loss seems too great a price for it.

All our sports heroes must eventually conclude their careers, and the lasting memory of Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez ending his career with this victory leaves us glad to have witnessed it. Chocolatito deserves our thanks for years of spectacular performances and hours of boxing entertainment.