Chocolatito Next Fight: Roman Gonzalez Could Face Juan Hernandez
World Boxing Council flyweight champion Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez could defend his title against Juan "Churritos" Hernandez later this year.
Hernandez, who holds a 30-2 record with 21 knockout victories, became a candidate for Chocolatito's next fight after scoring an impressive second-round knockout win against Jesus Silvestre on Saturday in Mexico.
According to BoxingScene, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Hernandez is eyeing a title showdown with Gonzalez even before he decided to face Silvestre. The report revealed that Hernandez opted to face Silvestre, knowing that a win will give him a title shot.
Oswald Kuchle, Hernandez's promoter, also confirmed that they are expecting big things for Churritos this year. Kuchle added that Hernandez is planning to stay in the lightweight division and they are confident the 28-year-old will become a world champion soon.
"Big things await Churritos, that's for sure," Kuchle said. "Saturday's fight came just above the flyweight limit, but (112) is where he plans to stay and fight for a world title. He remains a tough challenge for any fighter in the world in the lower weight classes. We have every bit of confidence that he will become a world champion."
Gonzalez, who is considered as the current pound-for-pound king with his perfect 44-0 record, is coming off a ninth-round knockout win against former world champion Brian Viloria in October. The 28-year-old Nicaraguan is scheduled to defend his title on April 23 as a co-featured bout to the Gennady Golovkin-Dominic Wade showdown.
While Hernandez is reportedly one of the candidates to face Gonzalez, it is also worth noting that Chocolatito is considering moving up to the super flyweight division. The reigning pound-for-pound king, who is eyeing his fourth world title in as many divisions, wants a shot against World Boxing Association super flyweight champion Kohei Kono.
"I want my fourth title and I want it to be with the WBA. I want to fight Kohei Kono at 115 pounds," Gonzalez said, via BoxingScene.
Gonzalez won the WBA 105 and 108-pound titles earlier in his career before moving up to the flyweight division. WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza said that they are open to giving Gonzalez a shot for another WBA title.
"The WBA is your home, you are a WBA champion and this organization have always been open for you," Mendoza said. "And you've earned that respect with your diligence and discipline."
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