Roman Gonzalez, better known as “Chocolatito,” returned after a two-year absence on Friday night (July 12, 2024) from Managua, Nicaragua, to deliver a brutal 10th-round TKO stoppage over Rober Barrera.
Casual boxing fans may not know who “Chocolatito” is, but they most certainly should. The Nicaraguan fighter has produced a 52-4 (42 KO) record over the course of a 20-year career and has held multiple world titles. Not to mention he started his pro boxing career with 46-straight wins.. He’s arguably one of the best knockout specialist in flyweight history and one of the most entertaining boxers currently competing.
On Friday, “Chocolatito” stepped back in the ring after nearly two years off. He was coming off a majority decision loss to Juan Francisco Estrada back in Dec. 2022 and needed to prove he still has what it takes to fight for a world title. Luckily, the 37-year-old proved just that en route to a late-fight finish in front of his home crowd.
Despite handily winning the first nine rounds of action “Chocolatito” lived up his billing and remained the aggressor. He stalked Barrera down and unloaded heavy combinations from all angles. Barrera survived as much as possible before shelling up along the ropes and forcing the referee’s hand in the 10th and final frame.
It was another impressive stoppage in the career of “Chocolatito” and a great way to spark his return to boxing in 2024. Check it out in the above video player.