On Saturday, March 5, 2022, the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, saw the return of arguably the most prolific little man in boxing, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (51-3, 41 KOs), in a world title bout against the young and dangerous Julio Cesar Martinez (18-2, 14 KOs).
Gonzalez was initially slated to fight his rival, Juan Francisco Estrada, in what would have been their highly-anticipated rubber match, but due to Estrada testing positive for Covid-19, the fight was offered to Martinez.
Not one to shy away from opponents, Gonzalez accepted the fight against the young and dangerous Martinez in hopes of securing yet another title on an already impressive resume. The bout was for the vacant WBC Diamond Super Flyweight title, but with Martinez unable to make the agreed-upon weight, he forfeited his right to win the title. While the fight went ahead as planned, only Gonzalez could be crowned champion with a victory.
Gonzalez, a volume puncher with high-level technique, versus a young and fearsome lion in Martinez. What more could you ask for?
It didn’t take long for the leather to start flying. Martinez matched and perhaps outdid Gonzalez with punch output in the first, but the Nicaraguan arguably began one of his most excellent boxing masterclasses from the second round forward.
Gonzalez began his volume punching early in the second. Combinations to the head and body, while slipping in and out range of Martinez’s gloves. The young Martinez found himself on the wrong end of power punch after power punch, putting his chin on full display. Martinez would land at times, but only to be countered shortly after.
Chocolatito scored on all marks that a boxer could want to display. From pristine footwork, sneaky counters, and if you can believe it, a come-forward defense even.
Martinez had no answers for the living legend from Managua. What many thought could be yet another dangerous fight for Gonzalez, proved to be just the opposite. By the championship rounds, Martinez was clearly defeated, but showed tremendous heart to make it to the final bell.
The final scorecards read 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112, all in favor of Chocolatito.
“He’s strong and valiant. He can take a lot of punches,” said Gonzalez of Martinez after the fight via translator Gabe Rivas. “I wanted to feel his power first and work him little by little. When I realized I had him, that’s when I pressed harder.”
Gonzalez put on one of his best performances of his illustrious career, and his options moving forward look promising.
It’s a who’s who of choices. Whether it’s the rematch with Estrada or even a rematch with the only fighter to definitively beat him in Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.
If they see this version of Chocolatito, whoever it is, expect fireworks.
