Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez faces upset minded Julio Cesar Martinez

Future Hall of Famer Ramon Gonzalez fights hungry Julio Cesar Martinez tomorrow night at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Ca.

Many told Gonzalez to retire in 2017. He had been brutally knocked out by Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. It appeared after 46 bouts, over a dozen years, and at 30-years of age, (not young for such a light weight) that perhaps he had to face the problem many lighter weight fighters do – they can no longer make their ideal weight but aren’t naturally big enough to compete at the only weight they can make.

Appearances can be deceiving.

After taking a year off Gonzalez came back and put two wins together before challenging, and beating, undefeated Brit Khalid Yafai to capture his WBA super flyweight title. The victory was a coronation to one of the best fighters the sport has seen in the last 30 years.

Martinez knows what he’ll be facing Saturday night.

"I’m very excited and motivated to be fighting a big legend like Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez,” he said at a press conference a few weeks ago.

“I want to thank him for choosing us in this big fight, like I say with everything but fear, anywhere and against anyone.

“As always, we’re prepared for everything, decision, for it to be a clash, a technical fight. We’re coming in here well trained; I want to make sure the public walks away with a good taste in their mouth.” 

Martinez (18-1, 14 KOs) is one damn good fighter himself. After dropping his professional debut, he’s reeled off 18 wins in succession. Martinez captured the WBC flyweight title in 2019 by stopping Cristofer Rosales. He’s defended his belt four times. He’s a whirling dervish of activity, attacking every chance he gets. Sometimes too much. Just ask Charlie Edwards. Knocked down and overpowered, the British champion escaped with his title being struck while on one knee. The resulting infraction turned a certain Martinez victory into a no-contest.  

This is a tough one to predict. Upsets have been in the air last few months in boxing.

Gonzalez (50-3, 41 KOs)  is the much more experience fighter, but he’s also seven years older at 34. He’s been off a year – while Martinez threw hands only three months ago. He’s also moving up in weight.

Expect one hellacious fight.

“I have an opponent that comes forward,” said Gonzalez. "But I’m going to come forward, it’s going to be a tremendous fight and I think the fans are going to be really happy with the fight."

I give a slight edge to Gonzalez, but anything is possible. Father time is nipping at his heels.