Will it be the fourth time the charm for Israel González? It will not be easy.
The 115-pound contender is set to challenge one of the world’s most popular young champions, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, on the Canelo Alvarez-Gennadiy Golovkin pay-per-view card on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Gonzalez (28-4-1, 11 KOs) has failed in three previous attempts to take the belt from a world champion.
“I am grateful for the opportunities,” he said through a translator. “And I’m a little hungrier than the previous three times. … Now I have a son at home waiting for me to bring home the world title.”
Gonzalez built a reputation as a tough, excellent boxer in his native Mexico to rise through the ranks and earn a title shot against then-IBF champion Jerwin Ancajas in 2018 in Corpus Christi, Texas, his first fight in the US. USA
Things did not go well for him. He fell in the first round, lost the first nine rounds and was stopped in 10.
He recovered to win his next two fights, earning him a shot at Khalid Yafai’s WBA belt later that year in Monte Carlo. This time González performed well but lost a decision, which was met with derision from those who thought the Mexican deserved to win.
He once again won his next two fights, leading to one more chance to fight for a world championship in 2020 in Mexico City. This time it was against the great Roman Gonzalez, who won a lopsided decision to retain the WBA title from Yafai.
Israel Gonzalez, 3-0-1 since that fight, said he wasn’t at his best against Chocolatito. He said he only had a little over a month to lose weight and prepare for the future Hall of Famer after a 10-month break.
“I came to that fight out of nowhere,” he said. “I also had to lose (24 pounds), if you remember. It’s different now. I am an active fighter. I fought in January, I fought in April. This time it is different.
There had better be success for Rodriguez, who outpointed Carlos Cuadras to win the WBC title and then knocked out Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in his first defense to become a Fighter of the Year candidate.
González called Rodríguez a “great champion” out of respect, but he certainly isn’t afraid of him. He likes the chances of him on Saturday.
“I think Cuadras got frustrated when he got outplayed,” Gonzalez said. “I can also box, move around the ring. You will see that. And Rungvisai (35)? My youth will make a difference. I’m 25, Bam is 22. See the difference?
“I’ve fought the best in the division. … You will see a (big) change on Saturday.”
If it is successful?
“First, I will finally close a chapter and realize the dream,” he said. “That is a dream that everyone has when they enter boxing, to become world champions. Second, it will be fantastic for me and my family.
“This is the moment I have been waiting for a long time. On Saturday, God willing, I will be able to show who the real Israel González is.”
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Photos: Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennadiy Golovkin III outdoor weigh-in
