By Jake Donovan
With his title-losing knockout to Gary Russell Jr. now in the rearview mirror, Jhonny Gonzalez is ready to resume his career.
The former bantamweight and featherweight titlist will return to the ring on August 1 in Morelia, Mexico. He will now campaign in the junior lightweight division, with his first test at the weight coming versus Japan's Kazuki Hashimoto.
The bout was formally announced Wednesday evening by Promociones del Pueblo, Gonzalez' longtime promoter.
Gonzalez (57-9, 48KOs) has already begun training camp for the bout, setting up shop in his usual headquarters in Toluca, Mexico. The 33-year old looks to claim a major title in a third weight class. Naturally, his sights set on current WBC tiltist Takashi Miura—in part due to the "green" belt to be won, but also in an act of national pride. The overwhelming majority of Miura's wins during his reign have come against fighters from Mexico, beginning with his title-winning effort over Gamaliez Diaz.
For now, it's another junior lightweight from Japan that is in Gonzalez' immediate sights. Hashimoto (11-4, 7KOs) comes in having won four straight bouts, though stepping way up in class for his first fight on the road.
Also on the show—which will air live on Televisa in Mexico—is bantamweight contender Julio Ceja, who faces Colombia's Devis Perez.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox