Estrada's Promoter Jabs Roman Gonzalez For Being Money Hungry

By Miguel Rivera

Promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions, who has WBA/WBO flyweight champion Juan Francisco 'Gallo' Estrada (33-2, 24KOs), has called on Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez (44-0, 38KOs) to give the fans the fight they want most.

Gonzalez and Estrada waged war for twelve rounds in 2012 at junior flyweight. Gonzalez won a unanimous decision.

That was Estrada's only fight at 108-pounds. He moved down to take the bout and said the weight loss hurt him a bit. Now Gonzalez is a champion, with the WBC belt around his waist, in the same division as Estrada.

A few months ago Gonzalez requested $1 million for a rematch with Estrada, but during a recent interview he increased that amount and said he wants $2 million for the fight.

"Have you heard Roman Gonzalez now wants two million? It's better for him to just say that he does not want to fight [Estrada]. Honestly I think he's a great fighter. But at this stage of the game, someone like him should consider devoting himself to being an idol and giving the people what they want to see - instead of just thinking about money," Beltran said.

"[Marco Antonio] Barrera and [Erik] Morales had the desire, the courage, the hunger to be idols -  so he should be like them in that position. I have a good appreciation for Roman. I've promoted him. He is exactly where he should be - [in a high position in the sport], but to think only about money.....he should think about the satisfaction of giving the public what it wants. The money will come if you are sure of winning."

Gonzalez returns on April 23rd in a title defense against McWilliams Arroyo, while Estrada could defend his belts in May and there are talks of a high profile showdown with Filipino star Donnie Nietes for September 24.