Román González (boxer)

Román González
González in 2014
Statistics
Real name	Román Alberto González Luna
Nickname(s)	Chocolatito
Rated at	Minimumweight Light flyweight Flyweight Super flyweight
Height	5 ft 3 in (160 cm)
Reach	64 in (163 cm)
Nationality	Nicaraguan
Born	June 17, 1987 Managua, Nicaragua
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	46
Wins	46
Wins by KO	38
Losses	0

Román Alberto González Luna (born June 17, 1987), best known as Román "Chocolatito" Gonzalez, is a Nicaraguan professional boxer. He has held the WBC super flyweight title since September 2016, and is the first boxer from Nicaragua to win world titles in four weight classes, having surpassed his former mentor, idol, and three-weight world champion Alexis Argüello.^[1] González previously held the WBA minimumweight title from 2008 to 2010; the WBA light flyweight title from 2011 to 2013; and the WBC, Ring magazine, and lineal flyweight titles from 2014 to 2016.

With a knockout-to-win ratio of 83%, he is ranked by The Ring as the number one boxer in the world, pound for pound.^[2]

Career

Early career

Dubbed "El Chocolatito", an 18 year old González turned pro in the Minimumweight/Light Flyweight divisions in 2005. In his debut, he fought at the Pharaohs Casino in Managua, Nicaragua against 23 year old Ramon Urbina (0-1, 0 KOs) in a scheduled 4 round fight. Gonzalez won via knockout in round 2.^[3] In his 9th professional fight, Gonzalez, who had won his first 8 pro fights all by knockout, challenged Oscar Murillo (11-10, 8 KOs) for the vacant Nicaraguan and vacant WBA Fedecentro light flyweight titles. Gonzalez won via a 1st round knockout. Gonzalez won his first 16 fights all by way of knockout, before meeting Hiroshi Matsumoto (17-7-4, 8 KOs) at the Bunka Gym in Yokohama, Japan on January 14, 2008. The fight went the full 10 round as Gonzalez picked up the win via unanimous decision (100-90 twice, 98-92).^[4]

WBA World Minimumweight Champion

González vs. Niida

Gonzalez challenged the WBA world minimumweight champion Yutaka Niida (23-1-3, 9 KOs) in Yokohama, Japan and scored a technical knockout to win the title in 58 seconds of the fourth round on September 15, 2008. Gonzalez was ahead on all three judges scorecards at the time of stoppage (30-27, 3 times).^[5]

After winning the WBA title, González made his debut at flyweight on December 13, 2008 where he stopped Miguel Tellez (18-11, 6 KOs) in the 3rd of a 10-round bout.^[6]

González vs. Rosas

He went back to minimumweight on February 28, 2009 to defend his world crown against Francisco Rosas (20-5-2, 12 KOs) which he won by majority decision (116-112, 115-113 & 114-114). This was Gonzalez's first time fighting in Mexico.^[7]

González vs. Takayama

In July 2009, Gonzalez defended his World title at the World Memorial Hall in Japan against Katsunari Takayama (23-3, 9 KOs). After 12 rounds, the three judges all scored it 118-110 for Gonzalez.^[8] In January 2010, Gonzalez knocked out Ivan Meneses (14-5-1, 8 KOs) in round 3, before the fight was stopped in round 4 to retain his world title.^[9]

WBA World Light Flyweight Champion

After vacating his minimumweight title, Gonzalez moved up light flyweight and defeated Jesus Limones (10-1-1, 4 KOs) via 2nd TKO.

González vs. Rosas

A 23 year old Gonzalez won the vacant WBA Interim Light Flyweight Title against Mexican Francisco Rosas (21-7-2, 12 KOs) in Tokyo on October 24, 2010. This was the second time they had fought, having previously fought a minimumweight. Gonzalez won by KO in the second round. Rosas was knocked down three times in this fight. Gonzalez said after his first fight against Francisco Rosas that he had to fight being ill with severe stomach disorders, and that was the reason why he looked so sluggish and tired. Gonzalez was promoted to full champion in February 2011.^[10]

Gonzalez was victorious over Mexican boxers, Manuel Vargas (30-7-1, 15 KOs) via unanimous decicion (119-109, 116-112 twice)^[11] and Omar Salado (22-3-2, 13 KOs) via round 7 TKO^[12] respectively in March and July, both in Mexico, he retained the title.

González vs. Soto

In his third defense, fighting for the first time at the Marquee Ballroom in MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 1, 2011, González knocked out Omar Soto (22-8-2, 15 KOs) with his right straight, left uppercut combinations 36 seconds of the 2nd round.^[13] Soto weighed in at 111lb, which is above the weight limit.

Miscellaneous Defences

On March 17, 2012 Gonzalez faced Manuel Jimenez (11-2-1, 5 KOs) at Sinaloa, Mexico, defeating Jimenez via 1st round KO. This was a non-title fight.

On April 28, 2012 Gonzalez defended his WBA World light flyweight title against Ramon Garcia Hirales (16-3-1, 9 KOs) at the Fairplex in Pinomona, California. The fight ended as the count was waived by referee Raul Caiz Jr, after Garcia was knocked down twice in the 4th round. Gonzalez was ahead 30-27 on all three judges scorecards at the time of stoppage.^[14]

Flyweight

Gonzalez moved up to Flyweight on October 6, 2012 fighting undefeated 23 year old Stiven Monterrosa (9-0-2, 8 KOs) at the Hotel Holiday Inn in Managua, Nicaragua. Monterrosa was knocked down in rounds 1 and 2.^[15]

González vs. Estrada

On 17 November 12, 2012, Gonzalez defeated 22 year old Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada (26-1, 20 KOs) at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in an entertaining unanimous decision. This was the second time Gonzalez was fighting in California and the third time in the United States. The judges scored it (118-110, 116-112 twice) all in favour for Gonzalez. On May 25, Gonzalez stopped Colombian Ronald Barrera (30-11-2, 18 KOs) in five rounds at Polideportivo España, Managua, Nicaragua. Referee Onofre Ramirez stopped the fight in round 5 after Barrera was knocked down.^[16]

Miscellaneous fights

On September 21, 2013 he defeated Francisco Rodríguez, Jr. by TKO in the 7th round. He then defeated Mexicans Oscar Blanquet, Juan Kantun and Philippine Juan Purisima, taking his professional record to 39-0, with 33 wins coming by way of knockout.^[17]

WBC, Lineal & The Ring Flyweight Champion

González vs. Yaegashi

González defeated Akira Yaegashi (20-3, 10 KOs) via ninth-round TKO on September 5, 2014 at the Yoyogi #2 Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan to win the Lineal, WBC and The Ring Flyweight titles, becoming a boxing triple champion.^[18] Yaegashi was knocked down in rounds 3 and 9. Referee Michael Griffin stopped the fight after a final uppercut to Yaegashi. At the time of stoppage the three judges had the fight (80-71 & 79-72 twice) in favour of Gonzalez.^[19]

Early Defences

González retained the titles against Rocky Fuentes on November 22, 2014 via sixth-round TKO.^[20] Gonzalez fought Valentin Leon in a non-title bout on February 28, 2015, Gonzalez won via a 3rd round TKO.^[21]

Gonzalez defeated Mexico's Edgar Sosa (51-8, 30 KOs) at The Forum, in Inglewood, California on HBO World Championship Boxing via a 2nd round TKO. Sosa was down 3 times in round 2. Sosa made no effort to try to get up after the third knockdown.^[22] González earned a career high $200,000 against Sosa.^[23]

González vs. Viloria

Gonzalez defeated 34 year old American Brian Viloria (36-4, 22 KO's) at Madison Square Garden in New York City via a 9th round TKO to retain his World titles on October 17 on the undercard of a middleweight unification bout between Golovkin and Lemieux. In round 9, Gonzalez landed a wide-open right hand that snapped Viloria's head to the side, after taking further a beating, referee Benjy Esteves Jr. stepped in and stopped the fight at 2 minutes, 52 seconds. According to CompuBox, Gonzalez landed 335 of 805 punches (42 percent), and Viloria was limited to landing only 186 of 594 (31 percent). Gonzalez was ahead on all 3 judges scorecards (78-73 twice, 79-72) before the knockdown and also knocked Viloria down in the 3rd round. With the win, González moved to 14-0 in world title bouts. González earned a $250,000 purse.^[23][24][25]

González vs. Arroyo

Gonzalez defeated 30 year old Puerto Rican McWilliams Arroyo (16-2, 14 KOs) on April 23, 2016 at The Forum, Inglewood, California on a co-feature of World Middlewight title bout between Gennady Golovkin and Dominic Wade. Gonzalez won via unanimous decision ending his ten-fight stoppage streak. Judges scored the bout (120-108) and (119-109) twice.^[26] Gonzalez landed 360 of 1,132 (32%) total punches while Arroyo landed 193 of 711 (27%) of his total punches.^[27] González earned a-then career high $300,000 purse for this fight.^[23]

Super flyweight

González vs. Cuadras

K2 Promotions announced on July 14, González will move up to 115 pounds to challenge Carlos Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KOs) for his WBC Super Flyweight title on September 10, 2016 at The Forum in Inglewood in a bid to become Nicaragua's first ever 4-weight world champion. The fight was part of a HBO split-site telecast on which K2 stablemate and unified middleweight titleholder Gennady Golovkin defeated welterweight titlist Kell Brook at the O2 Arena in London. That night, HBO had live coverage of Cuadras-González along with a replay of Golovkin-Brook.^[28]

In what was considered a close fight by many, González defeated Cuadras via 12 round unanimous decision to become the WBC super flyweight champion. This was the first time González headlined a card and drew a crowd of 6,714, which was considered a hit. The three judges scored the bout 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113, all in favour of González. Combined, both fighters threw over 1,000 punches, with González getting the better of Cuadras. González was guaranteed a $400,000 purse for the fight, his highest ever. After the win, González made history by becoming the first fighter in the history of Nicaragua to capture four titles in four weight divisions, something his mentor Alexis Arguello failed to do twice during his career.^[29][30][31]

González vacated his WBC Flyweight meaning he would be keeping the WBC super flyweight title and continue fighting in the 115 division.^[32]

Death of Arnulfo Obando

On November 8, Gonzalez's long time trainer Arnulfo Obando was hospitalized after suffering a stroke earlier in the week and it was said that he was in serious condition. Upon arriving at the hospital, he was declared brain dead and his family was called to his bedside.^[33] On November 11, the WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed in a statement that Obando had died at the age of 53. It was also said that Gonzalez would take a break from boxing.^[34]

Personal life

González is managed by Carlos Blandon Vidaurre, and is promoted by Japan's Teiken Promotions.^[35]

González is divorced, has two children and lives in Managua, Nicaragua. He has stated that although he fights for honour and glory, the main reason is to provide for his family. He is a practicing Christian and a publicly open supporter of the FSLN political group in Nicaragua.^[36][37]

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
46 fights	46 wins	0 losses
By knockout	38	0
By decision	8	0

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
46	Win	46–0	Carlos Cuadras	UD	12	Sep 10, 2016	The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.	Won WBC super flyweight title
45	Win	45–0	McWilliams Arroyo	UD	12	Apr 23, 2016	The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.	Retained WBC, The Ring, and lineal flyweight titles
44	Win	44–0	Brian Viloria	TKO	9 (12), 2:53	Oct 17, 2015	Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.	Retained WBC, The Ring, and lineal flyweight titles
43	Win	43–0	Édgar Sosa	TKO	2 (12), 2:37	May 16, 2015	The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.	Retained WBC, The Ring, and lineal flyweight titles
42	Win	42–0	Valentin Leon	TKO	3 (10), 2:27	Feb 28, 2015	Puerto Salvador Allende, Managua, Nicaragua
41	Win	41–0	Rocky Fuentes	TKO	6 (12), 2:11	Nov 22, 2014	International Swimming Pool, Yokohama, Japan	Retained WBC, The Ring, and lineal flyweight titles
40	Win	40–0	Akira Yaegashi	TKO	9 (12), 2:24	Sep 5, 2014	Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan	Won WBC, The Ring, and lineal flyweight titles
39	Win	39–0	Juan Purisima	TKO	3 (8), 1:20	Apr 6, 2014	Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan
38	Win	38–0	Juan Kantun	TKO	6 (10), 1:01	Feb 15, 2014	Palenque de la Feria Mesoamericana, Tapachula, Mexico
37	Win	37–0	Oscar Blanquet	TKO	2 (10), 0:27	Nov 10, 2013	Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan
36	Win	36–0	Francisco Rodríguez Jr.	TKO	7 (10), 1:10	Sep 21, 2013	Crowne Plaza, Managua, Nicaragua
35	Win	35–0	Ronald Barrera	TKO	5 (10), 2:42	May 25, 2013	Polideportivo España, Managua, Nicaragua
34	Win	34–0	Juan Francisco Estrada	UD	12	Nov 17, 2012	Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, U.S.	Retained WBA light flyweight title
33	Win	33–0	Stiven Monterrosa	TKO	3 (10), 2:27	Oct 6, 2012	Holiday Inn, Managua, Nicaragua
32	Win	32–0	Ramón García Hirales	KO	4 (12), 2:09	Apr 28, 2012	Fairplex, Pomona, California, U.S.	Retained WBA light flyweight title
31	Win	31–0	Manuel Jiménez	KO	1 (10), 2:58	Mar 17, 2012	Palenque de Gallos, Culiacán, Mexico
30	Win	30–0	Omar Soto	KO	2 (12), 0:36	Oct 1, 2011	MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBA light flyweight title
29	Win	29–0	Omar Salado	TKO	7 (12), 0:48	Jul 16, 2011	Plaza de Toros, Cancún, Mexico	Retained WBA light flyweight title
28	Win	28–0	Manuel Vargas	UD	12	Mar 19, 2011	Plaza San Diego, Cholula, Mexico	Retained WBA light flyweight title
27	Win	27–0	Francisco Rosas	KO	2 (12), 1:38	Oct 24, 2010	Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan	Won vacant WBA interim light flyweight title
26	Win	26–0	Jesus Limones	TKO	2 (10), 0:25	Sep 3, 2010	Hotel Camino Real, Managua, Nicaragua
25	Win	25–0	Ivan Meneses	TKO	4 (12), 3:02	Jan 30, 2010	Auditorio Siglo XXI, Puebla City, Mexico	Retained WBA minimumweight title
24	Win	24–0	Katsunari Takayama	UD	12	Jul 14, 2009	World Memorial Hall, Kobe, Japan	Retained WBA minimumweight title
23	Win	23–0	Francisco Rosas	MD	12	Feb 28, 2009	Auditorio Guelaguetza, Oaxaca City, Mexico	Retained WBA minimumweight title
22	Win	22–0	Miguel Tellez	TKO	3 (10), 0:10	Dec 13, 2008	Gimnasio Alexis Argüello, Managua, Nicaragua
21	Win	21–0	Yutaka Niida	TKO	4 (12), 1:59	Sep 15, 2008	Pacifico, Yokohama, Japan	Won WBA minimumweight title
20	Win	20–0	Abraham Irias	TKO	2 (8), 1:02	Jul 12, 2008	Universidad, Managua, Nicaragua
19	Win	19–0	Juan Francisco Centeno	KO	3 (10)	Jun 13, 2008	Hotel Camino Real, Managua, Nicaragua
18	Win	18–0	Javier Murillo	UD	10	Feb 29, 2008	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua
17	Win	17–0	Hiroshi Matsumoto	UD	10	Jan 14, 2008	Cultural Gymnasium, Yokohama, Japan
16	Win	16–0	Javier Tello	KO	2 (10), 1:48	Dec 14, 2007	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua
15	Win	15–0	Eriberto Gejon	KO	1 (10), 1:09	Nov 3, 2007	Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
14	Win	14–0	Miguel Tellez	KO	3 (10)	Jul 13, 2007	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua	Retained Nicaraguan light flyweight title
13	Win	13–0	José Luis Varela	KO	1 (10), 2:28	May 12, 2007	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua	Won vacant WBA Fedelatin minimumweight title
12	Win	12–0	Vicente Hernandez	TKO	2 (10)	Mar 30, 2007	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua	Retained WBA Fedecentro light flyweight title
11	Win	11–0	Elvis Romero	KO	1 (8)	Feb 16, 2007	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua
10	Win	10–0	Juan Francisco Centeno	TKO	7 (10)	Dec 15, 2006	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua	Retained WBA Fedecentro light flyweight title
9	Win	9–0	Oscar Murillo	KO	1 (10)	Oct 6, 2006	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua	Won vacant WBA Fedecentro and Nicaraguan light flyweight titles
8	Win	8–0	Francisco Meza	KO	2 (8)	Sep 1, 2006	Gimnasio de la Universidad, Managua, Nicaragua
7	Win	7–0	Francisco Meza	RTD	6 (10), 0:10	Mar 31, 2006	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua
6	Win	6–0	Jose Martinez	KO	2 (8)	Mar 3, 2006	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua
5	Win	5–0	Roberto Meza	TKO	1 (8), 2:18	Jan 20, 2006	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua
4	Win	4–0	Eddy Castro	KO	3 (6)	Oct 15, 2005	Gimnasio Alexis Argüello, Managua, Nicaragua
3	Win	3–0	David Centeno	KO	1 (4)	Sep 30, 2005	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua
2	Win	2–0	Nicolas Mercado	KO	1 (4)	Aug 19, 2005	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua
1	Win	1–0	Ramon Urbina	KO	2 (4)	Jul 1, 2005	Pharaoh's Casino, Managua, Nicaragua	Professional debut

See also

• List of WBA world champions
• List of WBC world champions
• List of The Ring world champions
• List of lineal boxing world champions
• List of boxing quadruple champions
• The Ring pound for pound

References

1. "Chocolatito Makes History, Decisions Cuadras For WBC Title". BoxingScene. September 11, 2016. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
2. Ring ratings. Ring Magazine, retrieved May 4, 2016.
3. "Roman Gonzalez debut". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
4. "Roman Gonzalez first win via decision". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
5. "Roman Gonzalez wins world title". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
6. "Roman Gonzalez first fight at Flyweight". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
7. "Roman Gonzalez v Francisco Rosas". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
8. "Gonzalez retains against Takayama in Japan". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
9. "Gonzalez KO's Meneses". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
10. Gabriel F. Cordero (2011-02-04). "Reveco gives up WBA belt". Fightnews.com. Retrieved 2011-02-07.
11. Dennis Taylor (March 20, 2011). "Gonzalez retains 108-pound title". The Ring. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
12. Blake Dreisbach (July 16, 2011). "Light-Flyweight Bout: Roman Gonzalez Defeats Omar Salado by TKO in Round 7". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
13. Michael Rosenthal (October 2, 2011). "Gonzalez stops Soto in second round". The Ring. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
14. "Gonzalez stops Ramon Garcia Hirales". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
15. "Roman Gonzalez moves up to flyweight". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
16. "Gonzalez stops Barrera in round 5". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
17. Nicaragüense Roman González gana al mexicano Francisco Rodríguez en boxeo(Spanish)
18. "Roman Gonzalez stops Akira Yaegashi in nine, wins RING flyweight title". Retrieved 5 September 2014.
19. "Roman Gonzalez becomes 3-weight world champion stopping Yaegashi". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
20. "Roman Gonzalez Stops Rocky Fuentes in the Sixth". Retrieved 22 November 2014.
21. "Gonzalez vs. Leon - non-title fight". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
22. "Gonzalez knocks out Edgar Sosa". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
23. Alexander, Mookie (2016-04-23). "HBO Boxing purses: Gennady Golovkin $2 million, Dominic Wade $500,000". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2016-08-13.
24. "Gonzalez stops Viloria, retains flyweight title". Retrieved 2016-08-13.
25. "Gonzalez TKO's Viloria". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-04-26.
26. "Gonzalez defeats Arroyo via UD". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-04-26.
27. Christ, Scott (2016-04-24). "Gonzalez vs Arroyo results: Roman Gonzalez dominates, but KO streak ends". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
28. "'Chocolatito' to fight Cuadras in bid for 4th belt". Retrieved 2016-07-16.
29. "Gonzalez beats Cuadras, becomes four-weight champ". Retrieved 2016-09-26.
30. "Purses: Chocolatito $400k, Cuadras $250k - Boxing News". 2016-09-10. Retrieved 2016-09-26.
31. "Roman Gonzalez defeats Carlos Cuadras to become four-weight world champion". Sky Sports. September 11, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
32. "Chocolatito vacates flyweight belt, keeps junior bantam". Retrieved 2016-10-02.
33. "Roman Gonzalez Trainer In Critical Condition In Hospital". Boxing News and Views. 2016-11-08. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
34. "Roman Gonzalez Coach Arnulfo Obando Sadly Passes Away Aged 53". Boxing News and Views. 2016-11-11. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
35. "Boxeador Latino del Mes: Román González" (in Spanish). NotiFight.com. November 3, 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
36. http://www.thefightguru.com/interview-with-top-p4p-fighter-roman-el-chocalatito-gonzalez/
37. http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/389147-roman-gonzalez-the-only-way-to-become-better-is-to-fight-the-best

External links

• Official website
• Professional boxing record for Román González from BoxRec