ONE ON ONE with “Chocolatito” Gonzalez

We recently had a conversation with WBA light flyweight champion, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (34-0,28 kos) of Nicaragua. Here are excerpts of our conversation:

You recently were promoted by the WBA to the title of Super Champion?
Yes, Its quiet an honor to be promoted to the category of super champion. I think it’s a recognition by the WBA for past achievements. I know that only a very small select group of fighters have that type of belt even though I don’t necessarily understand what it means to be promoted to super champion.

What are your plans for the future?
According to a resolution recently received by the WBA it mentions that the belt I used to have will be fought on the 31st of December between Kazuto Ioka of Japan and former interim WBA champion Jose Alfredo Rodriguez of Mexico. It states that the winner of that fight must face me in a period of 90 days. I guess I have to wait to see what happens and fight the winner of that fight in the very near future.

Also, a fight in Mexico or a tune up fight before that particular matchup is not completely out of the question.

Who do you want to win?
I am hoping that Ioka winds up winning the fight. On many occasions he has called me out in public saying that he wants to fight me. The funny thing is that even though they know my promoter, Mr. Akhiko Honda of Teiken, very well he has never received a phone call from his team inquiring about a possible show down.

I have fought in Japan many times. The people there are super polite and very well educated. I consider Japan my second home and would love to have the opportunity to fight there again.

Your thoughts on Ioka?
Ioka is a good fighter who has accomplished a bit in such a short pro career. He has a big mouth and lacks humility and frankly thinks that he is a better fighter than what he actually is. He has even gone so far as to say that I am afraid of him and that I am considering moving up in weight in order to avoid him.

The only reason I am considering moving up a weight class is to have the possibility of gaining a third world title and measuring myself against the best talent in the world such as Brian Viloria.

Much more accomplished Japanese world champions such as Yutaka Niida and Katsunari Takayama, both of whom I have fought, have shown much more humility than this youngster.

The important thing is that if he does win the title we will get a chance to fight. In less than 60 seconds inside of the ring with me he will know that he has made a mistake in disrespecting me.

Who would be your dream fight?
I don’t choose my opponents, that is done my by promoters and my management team. I just try to be in top shape for the fight and win the fight as best as I can. I am never vocal about who I want to fight and do not call people out. If I were given a choice I would like to face Brian Viloria. In order to be considered the best, you have to beat the best and I think Viloria definitely ranks right up there at this moment.

Also WBC Flyweight champion Toshiyuki Igarashi or light flyweight champions Donnie Nietes, Adrian Hernandez, or any unification fight seems would be interesting options. I just want to fight as often as I can against topnotch opposition.

Thanks for the interview champ!