By Francisco Salazar
Manager Frank Espinoza has extended his managerial contract with featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez, Espinoza told BoxingsScene in a recent interview.
Espinoza has guided the career of Gonzalez since 2012, when the 25-year-old turned pro. Gonzalez, who resides in the Los Angeles suburb of Glendora, will continue to be managed by Espinoza for the next five years.
Gonzalez is coming off an impressive knockout victory over former world junior bantamweight titleholder Rodrigo Guerrero on Mar. 30 in Indio, California. He also has a split-decision victory over contender Rafael Rivera.
Espinoza also told BoxingScene Gonzalez is penciled to return to the ring in July.
Gonzalez (22-0, 13 knockouts) is the mandatory challenger to face WBO titleholder Oscar Valdez, who is also managed by Espinoza. Gonzalez is also ranked No. 11 by the WBC and is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.
Espinoza believes Gonzalez has not hit ceiling yet as a pro and believes he can contend with any of the top fighters at 126 pounds.
“I’ve really been impressed with the development of Joet over the last couple of years,” Espinoza told Boxingscene late last week. “He is such a talented fighter and he is only going to get better. He is dedicated in the gym and wants to become the best.”
Gonzalez’s scheduled bout in July will likely be streamed on DAZN.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since October of 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, Boxingscene.com. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing
