By Elisinio Castillo, photo by Chris Farina
Pound-for-pound king Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez (45-0, 38 KOs) will probably make the riskiest move of his career when moving up in weight and challenge the flyweight champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Carlos 'Principe' Cuadras on September 10 at the Forum in Inglewood, California.
Gonzalez, considered by many as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, is looking to capture his fourth world title against an undefeated fighter who many consider to be his strongest opponent since he came to America in 2015 with the support of the HBO television.
Gonzalez, 29 years old, has held three fights in the United States on HBO against Edgar Sosa, Brian Viloria and McWilliams Arroyo. He beat Sosa and Viloria by knockout and then Arroyo by decision.
Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KOs), 27 years old, is not a recognizable name to fans in the United States but says he is hungry to make a good impression on his first nationally televised fight in the country.
Gonzalez and Cuadras will be part of an HBO televised card which features a rematch between Jesus Soto-Karass between (28-10-4, 18 KOs) and Yoshihiro Kamegai (26-3-2, 23 KOs).
"The decision to move up in weight was made with my team and my family. I am aware that Carlos moves very well, throws his punches well, it's not an easy fight," said Gonzalez.
"As soon as the bell rings, we'll see what he brings. We do not want to waste time [by waiting around for this moment in the future], when right now we are able to go for a title. Every boxer presents a risk, they are all good. Even the worst opponent can knock you out if you're not careful. Everything in life comes at a cost and I will continue to demonstrate that."
Promoter Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions also admits that Gonzalez is taking a big risk here.
"He is very dominant at 112 pounds but you never know what can happen when you move up by three pounds to fight an undefeated world champion. It's a big risk for both," said Loeffler.
