Going 10 With Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez
By Darrell Williams
Q: Did you feel envious of Juan Palacios getting a 105lb title before you?
A: No, not at all. I am very proud of him. It is good that Nicaraguans are able to compete succesfully out of Nicaragua. It opens the door for better opportunities for Nicaraguan athletes. If I am able to win the WBA title and Juan keeps his WBC title it means that the baddest of the little guys are from Nicaragua. I also have two boxer friends Yader Escobar and Carlos Buitrago who have a legitimate chance to become future world champs at 105 and 108.
Q: How has your training camp gone in preparation for your title shot?
A: I have been to hell and back. My preparation has been so intense. I have fought three or four times 12 five minute rounds in practice instead of the standard three minute rounds. I am set to fight Niida for 15 or 18 rounds if I have to. He wont beat me with conditioning
Q: Have you brought in any particular sparring partners with a similar style to Niida?
A: My sparring partners are great. A couple of them are world ranked: Yader Escobar, Nerys Espinoza who is also going to fight for the world title (IBF), Evert Briceno and Terou Misawa. I also have had the chance to spar with other good Nicaraguan boxers such as Rene Gonzalez, Carlos Buitrago, two time central American amateur champ Carlos Alvarado.
Q: Have you watched many fights of Niida and what do you feel you have to do to win the fight?
A: I have watched him multiple times. He is a good boxer. He has been in 10 world championship fights winning 9 times. He has to be a good boxer. I however will be a nightmare for him. He will feel more pressure than he has ever felt in his life.
Q: Although your title fight has been guaranteed for a while now, do you wish you had fought better opposition in recent fights leading up to your shot at the title?
A: No. My managers and promoters (Teiken and Prodesa) have done a real good job in keeping me active. They have fed me boxers with different styles who have prepared me better for what is coming up. Few boxers in Nicaragua have reached 20 fights in such little time.
Q: Did you learn anything about what to expect from Jose Alfaroʼs title bout in Japan earlier this year?
A: I learned never to underestimate any opponent. Where there is a will and hard work there is always the opportunity for victory.
Q: With your obvious reputation of being the “golden boy” of Nicaraguan boxing; do you feel this has put added pressure on you to bring home the title?
A: I have been promoted from the very start as a future world champion by my promoters and Alexis. Its time to put up or shut up. Lets see if all the hype is true.
Q: If you win your title bout, would you like to challenge Palacios to an all Nicaraguan championship fight?
A: No. I would like to unify with the IBF champ Raul Garcia or WBO champ Donnie Nientes to prove that Nicaraguans are world class specially in the lower divisions.
Q: What will it mean for you to bring the title back to Nicaragua?
A: It will be the world to me. It will prove that all the hard work put in the gym by me and all the effort of my team has not been in vain.
Q: Can we get a prediction?
A: Victory for Nicaragua and the 10th Nicaraguan world champ. It will happen sooner than later.