Former four-division world champion Roman Gonzalez (47-2, 38 KOs) made his return to the ring in sensational fashion. The Nicaraguan star stopped Moises Fuentes with a vicious right hook in the fifth round to win by TKO in the HBO telecast opener.
“When he hit the floor, I got very worried for him and I panicked, and when he regained consciousness, I prayed for him and I told him that I hope god blesses him, his family, and his career,” said Gonzalez. “I asked for him to forgive me, because this is the job that we chose and that I didn’t mean to hurt him.
Gonzalez bounced back from back-to-back losses to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and has joined the conversation of top super flyweights in the division.
I’m very thankful for this opportunity, said Gonzalez. “It’s a great comeback to be on the Canelo vs. Golovkin card. I can’t wait because I am a step closer to becoming a world champion.”
The blood poured from Fuentes’ face from an accidental headbutt as Gonzalez landed shots at will. The action began slow put Gonzalez found his rhythm and picked up the pace with 1-2 combinations.
Gonzalez landed 145 of 390 total punches and 122 of 256 power punches. Fuentes landed just 47 of 244 total punches and 46 of 184 power punches. Fuentes had his moments but Gonzalez’ volume was wearing him down.
Gonzalez told ESPN one of his motivations to continue boxing is to get a shot to win a world title in a fifth weight class and would like to go for a world title at bantamweight before he hangs up his gloves.
Gonzalez made his return to the ring since being knocked out by Sor Rungvisai last September and looked sharp, landing timely combinations.
Header photo by Ed Mulholland/HBO
