There has been a lot of buzz on the social media networks regarding the return of WBC flyweight world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, (44-0, 38 KOs) this Saturday. This will be his third consecutive appearance on HBO and third sharing a card with unified WBA and IBF middleweight world champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, (34-0, 31 KO’s). Golovkin will again be the main event as he faces undefeated mandatory contender Dominic “Lights Out” Wade, (18-0, 12 KO’s) of Maryland. The card will take place at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, California. The card will be promoted by Gennady Golovkin (GGG Promotions), Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions), and Tom Brown (TGB Promotions). HBO will televise live.
There has not been a lot mentioned about Gonzalez’ opponent McWilliams Arroyo (16-2, 14 KOs) of Puerto Rico. Arroyo is a former 2008 Olympian and is currently ranked #10 by the WBC and #9 by the WBO. Arroyo dropped a close 4 round decision early in his career for his first professional loss. He would storm back to win 12 fights in a row and got his first world title opportunity. He would lose what many felt was a controversial split decision to IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in the latter’s native Thailand.
This is a very difficult fight for Arroyo to say the least. He has a very good amateur background and boxes well. The problem is that Gonzalez has showed he can box as well. Gonzalez has alot of knockouts on his record but he is no plodding puncher. Gonzalez also has a very underrated defense. The work rate of Gonzalez is really unbelievable to watch. This doesn’t seem to bode well for Arroyo but he should be credited for taking the fight. It is not the easiest to match Gonzalez in the United States as his star is now rising. His opponents want to be paid top dollar as they should. Arroyo has earned respect by stepping up and taking this fight. He can build on that respect by giving the viewer’s something they will remember if he were to upset Gonzalez.
