Chocolatito Motivated By Trainer's Passing, Expects Tough Defense

For the first time since his professional debut 12 years ago, undefeated Nicaraguan boxer Román 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez will enter the ring without the man who guided him to all his victories, trainers Arnulfo Obando.

Obando, who died of a stroke last November in Managua, Nicaragua, led Chocolatito Gonzalez to four world titles in four different weight divisions.

"I will dedicate my next defense of my belt to him," Gonzalez said.

On March 18, Gonzalez will make a mandatory defense of his WBC super flyweight title against mandatory challenger Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (41-4-1, 38 kos) of Thailand at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Gonzalez is undefeated in 46 fights, 38 of them won by knockout, and will make the first defense of the title that he captured on November 10 in a close fight against Carlos 'Príncipe' Cuadras of Mexico.

The absence of Obando is an incentive for González, whom the boxer regarded like a second father.

"It has been very difficult for me personally and professionally to lose him," he said. "Arnulfo was my coach, friend and a father figure in my life."

"This was my first training camp without him and I knew I would be happy if we continued training hard as he taught us and continue to win in the name of God. With God in our team, these events become motivational."

For this fight, Chocolatito will have his corner led by Wilmer Hernandez, who was an assistant to Obando.

"The Chocolatito project was made by my dad, who taught me to throw the my punches, and then I was further developed by Alexis Arguello and then it continued by Arnulfo. And now the torch has been passed to Wilmer," he added.

Some people believe that Gonzalez has lost the power of his fists, since his last two fights have been won by unanimous decision.

"I think every fight is different and every opponent has his talent," he said. "'I think God gives me the same strength and blessing to train for every fight."

He added that "the only difference I see at 115 (pounds) is that more opponents are willing to fight me, which I think is a real blessing."

Gonzalez, 29, has been a champion at minimumweight, junior flyweight, flyweight and now super flyweight, since his professional debut took place at age 18 on January 7, 2005.

About his rival Sor Rungvisai, Gonzalez said that he studied him through the videos as part of his preparation.

"I watched his videos since I was studying for my fight with Cuadras. He is very strong and always comes forward with courage. He is a southpaw, which is also an additional challenge to this fight. That's why we're training very hard," he said.