By Pablo Fletes, notifight.com
Former four division world champion Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez, had his first sparring session on Tuesday at the Roger Deshon Gymnasium, in the San Judas neighborhood in Managua, Nicaragua.
"Chocolatito" has not laced on the gloves or exchange punches with anyone, since last September 9 when he was knocked out in four rounds in his rematch with Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, the current super flyweight world champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
He only had four months of rest, which many believed would be longer in recess phase.
However, Román is determined to return and will probably do so in April, with a non-title fight, which will pave the way for a new first-level bout, against any of the world champions in the 115-pound division.
Román trained on Tuesday and sparred only 2 rounds with amateur fighter Jimmy Gutiérrez. And he did so, under the direction of his newly appointed coach Gustavo Herrera, with the backing of physical trainer Alfredo Corrales, who also assumed command in recent days.
Obviously, Gonzalez looked a bit overweight, but his talent remains and with the passing of days he must get fit to take on this new commitment that is scheduled in April, perhaps in Nicaragua or Japan, always under the banner of reputed Japanese promoter Akihiko Honda, director of Teiken Promotions.
"We are getting in shape little by little, but we are doing well, we are doing the job and with this sparring session we started a more intense stage of preparation," said Chocolatito, who before losing to Sor Rungvisai was regarding as the best fighter in the world, pound for pound.
However, that first defeat against Sor Rungvisai in March of last year and the defeat by knockout of September, caused a resounding status drop for his career.
"Chocolatito" Gonzalez has a record of 46-2, with 38 knockouts. He is only 30 years old.
