THOUGH the event will be taking place 3000 miles away from Managua, Saturday night’s fight between Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0, 38 KOs) and Carlos “Principe” Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KOs) will be one of the most important in Nicaraguan sports history. A press conference was held in Inglewood, California on Tuesday in advance of the momentous clash.
A national hero in his own right, Gonzalez has walked down a trail blazed by his countryman, the late, great Alexis Arguello. This weekend, he aims to surpass his former mentor as he chases his fourth world title in as many divisions.
“Thanks to my friend Carlos Cuadras who has given me this opportunity to fight for a fourth world title,” said Gonzalez. “This coming Saturday is a very hard, very difficult fight. I know God is watching over me and will give me the strength to come out victorious.”
Accomplishing this remarkable feat and bringing a fourth world title home to the people of Nicaragua will be no easy task. In Carlos Cuadras, Gonzalez will face the toughest test of his career.
The undefeated Mexican champion hits like a mule and is a master at finding every possible angle from which to launch his attack. What’s more is the fact that Cuadras is expected to easily match, if not surpass, Gonzalez’s work-rate. Needless to say, Chocolatito will be in there with a live one as he chases history on Saturday night.
“I want to thank everyone who helped get me ready for this fight,” said Cuadras. “Everyone has done their job and now it’s time to do mine. I’m in great shape as you can see, you don’t get this way by playing marbles, you get this way by getting ready for a fight. I’m taking the belt home again on Saturday night. “
In the co-feature, Jesus Soto Karass and Yoshihiro Kamegai will meet again in a rematch of a their crowd-friendly fight earlier in the year.
“I’m very happy that I’m able to have a rematch with such a great fighter, Jesus Soto Karass, and to fight in this great arena and I would like to leave here on Saturday with a memorable, exciting fight,” said Kamegai.
His opponent, Soto Karass, has prepared for a war and plans to deliver nothing less to the fans at The Forum.
“We’re ready for a big fight, it’s going to be a continuation of the last fight,” said Soto Karass. “You don’t want to miss this, it’s going to be a good one. We’re going to heat up the ring for the main event between Cuadras and ‘Chocolatito.”
