The Return of the King: Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez set for Nicaragua homecoming against Rober Barrera on July 12

Roman Gonzalez set for Nicaragua homecoming against Rober Barrera on July 12

After 19 months out of the ring, the fighting pride of Nicaragua is back for a long-awaited homecoming. Former four-division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez will face Colombian puncher Rober Barrera in the 10-round bantamweight main event on Friday, July 12, at Polideportivo Alexis Argüello in Managua, Nicaragua.

Gonzalez (51-4, 41 KOs), the one-time pound-for-pound king, has captured titles at minimumweight, light flyweight, flyweight, and junior bantamweight during a 19-year pro career.

Considered one of the greatest lighter-weight fighters in boxing history, Roman returns following a highly controversial decision defeat to Juan Francisco Estrada in December 2022. Barrera (27-5, 17 KOs) is a former world title challenger who has won three straight fights.

Things you didn't know about Roman Gonzalez

In other fights scheduled for the ESPN+ stream:

Eveling Ortega (7-5, 2 KOs) vs. Karol Mazariegos Gonzalez (7-1-1, 3 KOs), 8 Rounds, Light Flyweights

Kevin Vivas (7-2, 2 KOs) vs. Azael Villar (20-3-4, 15 KOs), 8 Rounds, Light Flyweights

Michael Carmona (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. Edwin Cano Hernandez (12-2-1, 3 KOs), 8 Rounds, Minimumweights

Jeffrey Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Andres Quesada (2-0), 4 Rounds, Heavyweights