Have you checked this guy out? Looks really explosive. Is fighting in the unfashionable Minimumweight division, but he looks tremendous for his age and hopefully could move up as his body develops. Here's some stats: Age - 21 years old Weight Division - Minimumweight Nationality - Nicaraguan Record - 21-0 (19 KO's) Here's a wee video of him destroying long reigning title holder Yutaka Niida in his last fight, thereby capturing the title. [yt]ZJpBUlnZPtE[/yt] Niida is a really experienced pro and has run into a lot of styles in his time, but sometimes he looks like he is just bricking it in this fight. Gonzalez looks scary in there. NB: In one of the fights were he didn't score a KO (as in 1 of only 2) he knocked the guy down seven times. Opinions?
Here's another clip of his 1st round bodyshot KO of two-time title challenger Eriberto Gejon: [YT]D4q2FSLFmqM[/YT]
I have seen a few of his fights. When i first saw his record i thought he would be an unskilled, slow, plodding banger (a mini Lacy) but i was quite impressed by his skills. He has a good high guard as well so he doesn't take loads of damage in return. I really like him. I heard he used to be trained/managed by Alexis Arguello. Does anyone know why they aren't together anymore?
I thought the same thing Jacko, thinking that he would be a slow plodder type that would end up getting KO'd or handily outboxed before he had a chance to make a decent impact. But no, he really looks the goods. Niida just couldn't seem to deal with his non-stop (but educated) aggression. I'm definitely gonna keep my eye on him. He's listed as 5' 3", which is quite tall for a straweight. I think he could soon move up a division. I don't have a clue what went on between him and Arguello; a pity that they split.
He's very good, but I feel he'll be even better. I too expect him to move up maybe in a year or two. He could be a very good competition to Calderon and Solis. In 2008-9, IMO it's a bit early for those fights. Definitely a career we need to follow. By the way Gonzalez is the correct spelling.
seen him before on the sports chan. yeah looks really good. but i feel he needs to box more. to me he looks like he is waiting for openings that arnt there yet. needs to jab, main thing jab jab jab
He's not the finished article yet; still some things to work on. But he's come so far for one so young. I think he looks awesome at this stage in his development.
He is definately one for the future. There is stuff to be worked on but he does have a sound base for such a young guy. I love the way he throws 3-4 punch combinations with just the left hand. Does anyone know if he is a lefty fighting out of the orthodox stance? From the way he fights i wouldn't be suprissed if he was. I think he should stay at minimum weight for a year or two and clear that out first before moving up. There are no world beaters at this weight but there is still a good few solid pro's who could give Gonzalez a few problems and help him sharpen his skills; Nietes, Rachman, Sithsamerchai and a fight with Condes would be an exciting war. No point in rushing him to fast. The Niida victory was impressive but to be honest, from the first time i saw Gonzalez i thought Niida was made for him. From what i have seen of Niida he has a come forward macho style, not a lot of pop and has been wobbled by lesser punchers than Gonzalez. I thought if Niida tried to trade with Gonzalez (which he did do during their fight) then it would be suicide. Like i said earlier, Roman is one for the future but i don't think he is quite ready for Calderon or Solis just yet.