The battle of the little big men
The Nicaraguan Post
The day is almost nigh; September 15th, this day has been notched on every calendar of every sports fan in Nicaragua since the 2 minute destruction of Eriberto Gejon to secure the mandatory shot at the 105 lb title.
Roman ‘Chocolate’ Gonzalez 20-0(18ko) the Nicaraguan heir apparent, to the legendary Alexis Arguello, steps into the ring in Tokyo, Japan, to fight for the title that has long seemed his destiny.
The way to the crown could not be tougher though.
The Japanese champion Yutaka Niida 23-1(9ko) is as good as they come. Unbeaten in six years, Niida is the classic boxer, puncher and could give the much less experienced Gonzalez nightmares.
Niida will be roared on by a cauldron of fanatical home town fans and Gonzalez will have to do everything right to avoid the same fate as his friend and stable mate Jose Alfaro, who arrived in Japan earlier this year with a title but left on the seat of his pants.
How will the fight go?
Look for Niida to try to control the fight from a distance, Gonzalez possesses tremendous power in both hands and is capable of putting the lights out with one shot from either hand.
Don’t expect to see the Gonzalez that we have become accustomed to in Managua, looking to trade at every opportunity, willing to match his power against yours. This will be the Gonzalez that destroyed Gejon in Tokyo; carefully hunting his man down, cutting off the ring and then unleashing the power that Niida has probably never felt before.
Gonzalez could have waited longer for his chance and took an easier way to a title but great fighters don’t do that and definitely not great Nicaraguan ones.
It’s not Oscar de la Hoya v Manny Paquaio but ask any fight fan of the smaller weight classes, this is the one we have all been waiting for.
When the bell rings at 5.am on Monday morning September 15th, it’s going to be Mano-a- mano, put up or shut up; strap yourself in, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

Exclusive interview with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez

Posted on 05 September 2008 at nicaraguanpost.com
By Darrell Williams.
1 Did you feel envious of Juan Palacios getting a105lb title before you?
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.
2 How has your training camp gone in preparation for your title shot?
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
3 Have you brought in any particular sparring partners with a similar style to Niida?
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.
4 Have you watched many fights of Niida and what do you feel you have to do to win the fight?
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.
5 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?
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.
6 Did you learn anything about what to expect from Jose Alfaro’s title bout in Japan earlier this year?
I learned never to underestimate any opponent. Where there is a will and hard work there is always the opportunity for victory.
7 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?
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.
8 If you win your title bout, would you like to challenge Palacios to an all Nicaraguan championship fight?
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.
9 What will it mean for you to bring the title back to Nicaragua?
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.
10 Can we get a prediction?
Victory for Nicaragua and the 10th Nicaraguan world champ. It will happen sooner than later.