Roman Gonzalez dominates Julio Cesar Martinez in unanimous resolution win

Roman Gonzalez and Julio Cesar Martinez did not ship the fight-of-the-year contender many anticipated, however that is solely as a result of “Chocolatito” was far too good to permit the matchup to be aggressive.

Gonzalez schooled Martinez and as soon as once more displayed why he is a future first-ballot Corridor of Famer with a unanimous-decision victory on Saturday in San Diego.

Gonzalez was “very stunned” that Martinez made it to the ultimate bell after absorbing a brutal beating, and the scores (118-110, 117-111 and 116-112) belied how actually one-sided the competition was.

“My nook advised me to not give him any rounds,” Gonzalez, ESPN’s No. 2 115-pound boxer, stated in Spanish through a translator. “He was very brave. He took lots of punishment.”

The punishment was inflicted by combos delivered in traditional “Chocolatito” vogue: with precision and impeccable approach. The fantastic thing about Gonzalez’s recreation is the way in which he flows offense and protection. At the same time as he unloaded 1,076 punches, Gonzalez was capable of fend off Martinez’s reckless assault with a excessive guard tightly wrapped round his ears.

The 34-year-old Nicaraguan landed 374 punches, greater than double Martinez, who landed 182 of 713. Gonzalez landed 58 of 129 punches within the ultimate spherical, displaying the kind of elite situation that could be a hallmark of his recreation.

Martinez, preventing out of Mexico Metropolis, held his palms low, offering a straightforward goal for Gonzalez’s well-placed photographs. The victory was Gonzalez’s 21st in opposition to a boxer from Mexico, the lone loss a extremely controversial resolution defeat to rival Juan Francisco Estrada in a 115-pound title unification final March. They have been set to satisfy a 3rd time on Saturday, however Estrada withdrew after he examined optimistic for COVID-19. Gonzalez defeated Estrada in a 108-pound title struggle of their first struggle in 2012.

Martinez, ESPN’s No. 1 112-pounder, stepped in for his countryman on six weeks’ discover and agreed to maneuver up one weight class to 115 kilos. Nevertheless, he was chubby Friday at 116.four kilos. The struggle proceeded after Martinez weighed 122.6 kilos Saturday, inside the 126.5-pound rehydrating restrict ruled by the California fee (10% of contracted weight).

Martinez was additionally fined 20% of his $250,00zero purse, with $25,00zero paid to Gonzalez and the opposite half to the fee.

“He seemed too small, he seemed too inexperienced,” promoter Eddie Hearn stated. “He’ll return to flyweight.”

At 112 kilos, Martinez may very well be matched with fellow champion Sunny Edwards in a title unification bout.

Gonzalez, in the meantime, has loads of choices to type via with Hearn. The trilogy battle with Estrada stays a compelling matchup for supremacy at 115 kilos.

“Everybody is aware of that the final struggle I had with ‘Gallo’ Estrada, I received,” Gonzalez stated.

One other tantalizing trilogy chance: a gathering with Thailand’s Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who owns a controversial resolution victory over Gonzalez but in addition a devastating fourth-round knockout that left many questioning if “Chocolatito” would ever return to type.

Surprisingly, Gonzalez did not simply return to the pound-for-pound checklist however clearly stays higher than ever. Even in opposition to a extremely regarded 27-year-old energy puncher, Gonzalez was in whole management from bell to bell in a masterclass efficiency that provides to his Corridor of Fame legacy.

Age is especially unforgiving to smaller boxers who depend on pace and reflexes and soak up extra injury than greater boxers, however Gonzalez has by no means been held again by typical knowledge.

“‘Chocolatito’ appears to be getting higher and higher, that was only a elegant efficiency tonight,” Hearn stated. “You noticed the distinction between an excellent world champion and a pound-for-pound legend.”