It is being reported that Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (44-0, 38KOs) could face off against Giovani Segura (32-4-1, 28KOs) on HBO, potentially on March 5th. Ryan Burton of BoxingScene.com released the story last night, citing sources from both the United States and Nicaragua.
Burton reports that two California venues being considered are StubHub Center and The Forum.
The Mexican fighter Segura mentioned Gonzalez as a possible opponent last May, but nothing ever materialized. Segura, once considered a “pound for pound” talent, fell from graces after suffering a TKO loss to Brian Viloria in 2011. His two wins against one of Puerto Rico’s best talents, Ivan Calderon, propelled his career, but his reputation as an exciting action fighter has long been cemented.
Segura did not compete at all in 2015 and hasn’t fought since his September 2014 TKO loss against Chocolatito’s rival Juan Francisco Estrada—Segura’s only other fight that year was a TKO win over Felipe Salguero. Segura had a 3 fight win streak heading into the Estrada fight.
As the reigning “pound for pound” king following Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s retirement from the sport, Chocolatito would be considered a huge favorite, and rightfully so. However, this fight could be entertaining, but it would likely end badly for Segura. He may put up a valiant effort and continue to fight through some tough moments, but it would only further the brutal beat down he’s sure to face.
This fight could’ve been truly great and highly anticipated if it took place several years ago, but time has sent these two fighters in two completely different realms as far as skillset goes.
The fight we want to see is Chocolatito versus Estrada, a rematch of their 2012 bout in which Gonzalez won by unanimous decision. What is interesting is that Estrada found himself in a similar bout against Hernan “Tyson” Marquez this past September. The storyline was similar as Marquez was seen as past his prime, but always capable of making fun fights. Estrada dominated, but not without Marquez producing some of his own moments, as brief as they were. Still, he made a better showing than most predicted.
Chocolatito could find himself in a similar scenario if the fight with Segura is finalized.
