By Miguel Rivera
We all know that the main inspiration of Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez (46-0, 38KOs) was to reach the pinnacle of boxing like his idol Alexis Arguello, but he also wants to be paid very well for his performances.
Gonzalez, regarded by many as the best pound for pound fighter in the world, believes he's not being paid what he deserves - and because of that he says it's going be hard to make fights in 2017 with Carlos Cuadras, Naoya Inoue and Juan Francisco Estrada.
While visiting Mexico City to receive the super flyweight championship of the World Boxing Council, the first four division champion in the history of Nicaraguan boxing explained his issues for the coming year.
"For (2017) they are talking about the rematch with Estrada with Inoue too, but there is a lack [of money] in the negotiations, and we are not going to fight for a small purse - we will only fight for a big purse, and I think we deserve it," said Gonzalez to ESPN Deportes.
Roman's manager, Carlos Blandon, said fights with Cuadras, Inoue and Estrada are being eyed for 2017.
"I'll take any of the three fights, but the problem is they do not want to pay us what we deserve. I have no problem fighting with them, the biggest problem is the money and that's what we'll need to work out," said Chocolatito.
Estrada, who Gonzalez won a tough decision over in 2012, has accused the Nicaraguan fighter of running from the rematch. Their fight took place at junior flyweight, and Estrada just moved up to super flyweight last Saturday night in Mexico.
"Everyone has the right to say whatever they want. I respect their opinion. If that's what they think, what are we going to do. That's going to be a tremendous fight. I saw his fight Saturday (against Raymond Tabugon). If we face each other again it's going to be a good fight and we will win," Chocolatito said.