Khalid Yafai vs Roman Gonzalez : LAST CHANCE FOR CHOCOLATITO

Khalid Yafai vs Roman Gonzalez
Last Chance For Chocolatito

The Big Fight Preview
By Peter Silkov

Writer for The Boxing Glove

WBA world super-flyweight championship. Yafai is making the 6th defense of his world title, but it is fair to say that he hasn't been setting the world on fire since he won the championship. title fights. 'Chocolatito' had put the 'little men' on the boxing map by becoming one of the very few flyweights to be recognized as the best boxer in the world pound for pound. One would have to go back to the days of the great Ricardo Lopez to find a flyweight/light-flyweight who had gained such wide recognition throughout the boxing world. Usually, boxing's lightest champions are only appreciated by the connoisseurs and hardcore boxing fans, but Gonzalez, with his exciting brand of skilled destructiveness, changed all that. Then it all went wrong for 'Chocolatito'. First, he lost his WBC Super-flyweight world championship to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on March 18, 2017, on a very controversial points decision after a brutal war. Six months later the two men fought again, with 'Chocolatito' expected to avenge his dubious defeat, and regain his world title, however, Gonzalez crashed to a shocking and disastrous 4th round knockout defeat to the heard punching Thai, and in the eyes of many looked to be a spent force. Since that defeat almost two and a half years ago, 'Chocolatito' has fought just twice, winning both, but against lower-tier opposition. His most recent outing in December, a 2nd round stoppage of Diomel Diocos, was Gonzalez's first match in 15 months after having knee surgery. Tomorrow night (February 29) he faces the unbeaten Khalid Yafai, at the Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas, for Yafai's

WBA world super-flyweight championship. Yafai is making the 6th defense of his world title, but it's fair to say that he hasn't been setting the world on fire since he won the championship.

A clever boxer with a somewhat awkward style, Yafai has so far been retaining his title over somewhat limited opposition, without really impressing. Perhaps he's been needing a challenge from someone like Roman Gonzalez to really be able to bring the best out of himself?. Yafai often looks like a boxer who does just enough to win, and the better his opposition the better he performs, yet we still don't know just how good he is when pushed to his limit. If Gonzalez is anything like the fighter he used to be then we should find out tomorrow night whether Yafai is a genuine world-class 'world champion' or whether he falls a level below the elite. The biggest question is at the age of 32, how much does 'Chocolatito' have left in him. While the layoff at this point of his career may well have done him good, how much has a decade of fighting the best in 4 divisions taken out of Gonzalez. One of Gonzalez's problems is that he is a small super-flyweight. The other top men at the weight, including Yafai, are visibly bigger than him in height and build, and this natural size difference played a big part in the problems which Gonzalez had in his fights with Rungvisai and his war with Carlos Cuadras before that. While Gonzalez may not be able to make the flyweight limit anymore, he is still not a natural super-flyweight. Certainly, Gonzalez is suffering from the effects of competing at the very top for over a decade, despite his skills, the wear and tear of 17 world title fights is inevitable.

In recent training footage, Gonzalez looked noticeably slower than in the past. He will be hoping that he can summon up the strength and power to wear down and perhaps overpower Yafai in the later rounds. If Gonzalez is even just 70% of what he used to be then he will give Yafai a very tough night. Yafai is not a great puncher but is fast with an elusive awkwardness which could pose a lot of problems for 'Chocolatito' at this stage of his career. If Yafai sticks to his boxing, then he may well be able to outbox the faded Gonzalez, to win a competitive but clear decision. If Yafai chooses to try and slug it out with Roman, however, in an effort to impress, then he would be making a mistake. Roman's best chance of victory is to make the fight a toe to toe war and hope that he has the fitness and strength to wear down Yafai.

While not being a big puncher Yafai has a sharp punch and can throw a lot of punches. It is possible that if Roman has slipped enough, and can no longer fighter at his former pace or with his previous stamina, then Yafai could force a stoppage in the mid to late rounds.

It would be good to see Roman come back from the boxing twilight zone to regain a world title so that both he and his fans can enjoy some more great nights as they did in the past. However, the truth is that when a fighter falls apart as spectacularly as Gonzalez did in 2017, they very seldom manage to come back all the way to the top again. Unfortunately Yafai, despite not being close to the level of Roman when he was at his best, id the kind of fighter who will be awkward for a Gonzalez who has slowed down and has been inactive for the past two and a half years. Tomorrow we may see the dying light of the most outstanding fighter of the last decade. Roman, with his huge fighting pride is bound to do everything in his power to try and get the win, but my feeling is that in the end, he will come up short and perhaps go out on his shield in the later rounds.

While it does seem harsh to write off such a magnificent champion like 'Chocolatito' the fact that he has been such a great champion over the years makes it hard for one to see where he could go if he loses this match. Especially if he loses it badly. One suspects (and hopes) that Gonzalez has too much pride to allow himself to carry on if it becomes apparent that he can no longer compete successfully at the top level.

Hopefully, this is one prediction that I have got wrong and 'Chocolatito' will turn up tomorrow and prove all the doubters to be fools for writing him off so quickly.

Follow us on Twitter: @TheBoxingGlove and  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theboxingglove

If you are a boxer, amateur or professional, and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com   or theboxingglove@yahoo.com

If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at petersilkov@yahoo.com or theboxingglove@yahoo.com

The Boxing Glove Big Fight Review: Srisaket Sor Rungvisai Defeats Roman Gonzalez: A Bitter-Sweet Night At The Stub Hub

Photo: Yahoo Sports

 

By Peter Silkov

Sometimes boxing promises big things, but fails to deliver. Last night’s 115 pound triple header at the Stub Hub Centre, California, promised much with its three main contests featuring five of the best 115-pounders in the world getting it on. In the end, it did not disappoint. Fighting in front of a raucous and excited crowd, the bill was a testament to how boxing's lighter warriors often provide the sports heaviest action. Yet it was a bitter sweet affair, as the shocking defeat of former pound-for-pound number one, Roman Gonzalez, indicated that the man who has done so much to generate interest in the sport's lightest divisions over the past 10 years, may not be able to reap the benefits of the public's new found awareness.

Last night was supposed to be the scene of Roman’s revenge over Rungvisai, after a bloody and controversial defeat six months ago, which had cost him his WBC world super-flyweight title. It had also shorn Roman of his unbeaten record, which included 80 amateur fights unbeaten, and his status as the pound-for-pound number one in the world. In an era where world titles are seemingly won at a drop of a hat, and weight divisions jumped after a few extra milkshakes, Roman Gonzalez was a throwback to the times when a champion stayed at his division and asserted his dominance before moving up. Don’t confuse Roman Gonzalez’s multiple world titles with Adrien Broner's tiny haul. There was nothing contrived about Gonzalez’s world title victories at four weights over the course of nine years. This was not a big man boiling down to a weight that he should never be fighting at either. Gonzalez has always been a genuine small fighter. This is not a featherweight posing as a flyweight.

First meeting with Rungvisai

Unfortunately, last night the indications were that ,Gonzalez’s pugilistic honesty had come face-to-face with the harsh reality of boxing, and left him flat on his back, a beaten man. As had been feared since he first moved up and out-pointed Carlos Cuadras last September, to capture the WBC world super-flyweight title, and become one of the few fighters to win world titles at 4 different weights, it was a weight too far for ‘Chocolatito.’ Despite the victory over Cuadras, ‘Chocolatito’ had been given one of the hardest fights of his career, and shipped an unusual amount of punishment, which left him battered and bloody at the end, while Cuadras was relatively unmarked. The clues then were that giving away such a significant amount of natural weight, to the likes of Caudras, was going to be a major difficulty for Gonzalez.

Any thoughts that Gonzalez (46-2, 38koes) would find things easier as he settled into the higher weight were dispelled six months ago when he was dethroned by Rungvisai (44-4-1, 40koes). Although the decision itself seemed to be unjust, and the new champion had been guilty of some flagrant use of the head, the fact remained that once again ‘Chocolatito’ did not look himself. He once more lacked his usual speed and sharpness, and took far more punishment than was usually the case for him.

Last night was supposed to be the night that ‘Chocolatito’ returned to his best, and prove that he was still boxing’s pound-for-pound, number one.

Alas boxing is indeed a cruel endeavour, and perversely it often seems to be its cruellest to those who have graced it the best. The rematch between Gonzalez and Rungvisai was not so much a rematch, as it was a demolition. ‘Chocolatito’ never seemed to be himself, from the pre-fight screening of his being gloved up in his dressing room, to the fight itself, this fighter, who usually entered the ring with the relaxed air that only the greats can carry, seemed tense and troubled.

As he was (before their first fight six months ago), Gonzalez looked highly emotional during the ring introductions, and it was disturbing to see him in such a state just as he was about to go into action. It is well known that Gonzalez has been deeply affected by the sudden death of his trainer, Arnulfo Obando, last November. One can only wonder how much that loss has contributed to ‘Chocolatito’s’ sudden decline.

Photo: AP

When the action began, it was clear from the beginning that this was not the ‘Chocolatito’ whom we have come to admire so much for the best part of the last decade. He seemed hesitant, uncomfortable, and agonisingly slow of both hand and foot, while the defending champion quickly took the initiative, and with it, the first round. There was again a clash of heads between the two, as in the first fight, and although no damage was done, it only added to Gonzalez’s visible discomfort. Things were much the same in the second round, as Gonzalez barrelled forwards, and attempted to take the play away from Rungvisai, but it was the defending champion who was connecting with the more punches as Gonzalez looked to be having trouble getting his punches off, and when he did land his blows lacked their usual spark of power.

The third was a better round for Gonzalez as he showed some brief glimpses of his former form, turning up the pace, and going toe-to- toe with Rungvisai. Yet ‘Chocolatito’ seemed to be forcing himself into the fire, and while his punches seemed to just be bouncing off Rungvisai, and the champion's own blows looked much heavier. The punches seemed to be having a much more telling affect, as they visibly moved Gonzalez when they landed.

It was revealed in the 4^th round how effective Rungvisai’s punches were, and it was revealed in the 4^th round, when after the two continued as they had left off in the 3^rd, a right hook to the chin dropped ‘Chocolatito’ heavily. Although he bravely beat the count, the writing was on the wall. Rungvisai showed no mercy as he landed another vicious hook, to drop ‘Chocolatito’ once more, this time flat on his back, where he made no attempt to beat the count.

The sudden destruction of Gonzalez was met with a shocked silence from the pro-Gonzalez crowd. It was painful to see Gonzalez beaten in such a manner. He went out on his shield, just as all great champions tend to do, yet, it is always disturbing to see a great fighter suddenly become mortal, seemingly overnight.

Photo: Orange County Register

While Rungvisai seems on the verge of some exciting and hopefully lucrative showdowns, the plain truth is that they will not carry the same attraction now that they would have had Gonzalez regained his throne. Gonzalez now needs to take a long look at where he goes from here, and whether or not he should carry on fighting. The indications are that the rise in weight, coupled by the loss of his trainer and mentor, plus the rigours of a decade at the top, have all taken a toll upon ‘Chocolatito.’ How much of this decline is reversible only time will tell. At the age of 30, Gonzalez may be able to recoup after a long rest and regain some of his old brilliance, and a move back down to his more natural weight of flyweight could help him achieve this.

However after he has done so much already during his career, does Gonzalez still have the fire and right mental attitude to retrace his steps at 112 pounds, and rebuild his career almost from scratch. More importantly, does his body still have the reserves to allow him to achieve such a return. If he never fights again, Gonzalez can be proud of his achievements inside of the ring. His mixture of technical brilliance and his all-action fighting style brought attention to weight divisions that are usually disregarded by the general boxing public. Perhaps, just as importantly as his achievements inside the ring, Gonzalez has always carried himself with grace and honour outside the ring. Much the same way as his mentor, and idol, Alexis Arguello did during his illustrious boxing career. ‘Chocolatito’ will not be defined by his two defeats to Rungvisai, but rather everything that went before, when he proved himself over the course of a decade to be one of boxing’s all time greats.

The undercard of Rungvisai vs Gonzalez 2, featured two outstanding performances by Juan Francisco Estrada and Naoya ‘The Monster’ Inoue, who both won their respective contests, and announced themselves to the wider boxing public at the same time.

Juan Francisco Estrada (36-2, 25koes) has been one of boxing's best kept secrets since 2012, when he went the distance with a then peak, Roman Gonzalez, for Gonzalez’s World light-flyweight title, losing a close decision after giving ‘Chocolatito’ the toughest fight of his career up to that point. Estrada then moved up to flyweight, and reigned impressively as WBA and WBO world flyweight champion, for over two years almost unnoticed. Now however, after this triple 115-pounder bill, Estrada’s time might be coming, and at the age of 27, he looks to be at his peak and ready to take full advantage of this new exposure.

Estrada out-pointed another ex-foe of Gonzalez, Carlos Caudras (36-2-1, 27koes) in what was undoubtedly the fight of the night. Both men were so well matched that the action ebbed and flowed throughout the 12 rounds. Yet, the ultimate difference was that Estrada was the more accurate and solid puncher, even if at times he seemed to be outworked by the faster hands of the shifty Cuadras.

Photo: Mickey Bonilla

If there was any doubt about the winner, Estrada underlined his general edge over Cuadras with a knockdown in the 10^th round. It was to prove the decisive moment of the contest, as Estrada emerged the points winner by scores of 113-114, three times. Estrada was only awarded the fight after Cuadras was originally announced as the winner, amid some rather chaotic, and surreal scenes. Cuadras, to his credit, took the loss of what at first seemed to be a victory with good grace and this match was close enough to merit a rematch between the two in the future. Cuadras showed that he still has much to offer the 115 division himself.

Estrada is now the mandatory challenger for Rungvisai, and would enter that contest with a clear edge. Although he has moved up in weight himself, Estrada has the frame to carry the extra weight and unlike Gonzalez, he seems to have taken his punch up with him. His mixture of power and technical boxing ability should prove to be too much for the powerful, but less skilled, Rungvisai, when they meet, but it should be another exciting, all action contest and Rungvisai is unlikely to give up his title easily.

While Estrada was cementing a shot at the WBC title Naoya Inoue (14-0, 12koes) impressed with his first appearance in America, as he gave a ‘Monstrous’ display in retaining his WBO world super-flyweight title, with a 6^th round stoppage of Antonio Nieves (17-2-2, 9koes).

At only 24 years of age, and despite having just 14 professional contests, Inoue has already nine world title fights to his credit, and is a two weight world champion. Against Nieves, Inoue lived up to his nickname of ‘Monster’ as he dominated the brave yet outgunned challenger, with an impressive display of both power and technique. Inoue is very heavy handed, and strong at the weight, but he is also very technically adept as well. Nieves tried to fight back in the early rounds, but by the 4^th he was just trying to survive. When his corner pulled him out after the 6^th round it was a wise decision.

Inoue is already a big star in Japan, and the signs are that he could become much bigger yet worldwide. With future showdowns with Rungvisai, Estrada or perhaps Cuadras, a possibility for the future, the profile of one of boxing’s lightest divisions could yet continue to rise in popularity.

All in all, it was a great night for the boxing connoisseur, despite the sadness of Gonzalez’s defeat, and showed that for all its flaws, the sport still has some rich veins of gold to mine, if one knows where to look.

Follow us on Twitter: @TheBoxingGlove and  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theboxingglove

If you are an athlete and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com   or theboxingglove@yahoo.com

If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at petersilkov@yahoo.com or theboxingglove@yahoo.com