Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez's career in jeopardy after knockout loss to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai

WBC super flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai wanted to prove that his controversial victory over former pound-for-pound king Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez six months ago was no fluke. Not only did he do that, he made a statement that effectively closed the chapter on “Chocolatito” as a pound-for-pound talent with a 4th round knockout in front of a sold out crowd of 7,418 at the StubHub Center.

If we’re going to be completely honest, the “Chocolatito” that we’ve come to know over the years as an unstoppable super flyweight never showed up. Instead, it was Sor Rungvisai starting off with the same level of confidence that carried him to the upset back in March. As for “Chocolatito,” he looked as if he had aged terribly since the last fight. He was slower, less accurate and overall a shell of his former self.

Sor Rungvisai dominated the exchanges from the outset and used that early success to set up what would eventually be the sequence that would end the fight. Unconcerned with what “Chocolatito” sent in return, Sor Rungvisai plowed forward with combinations and power shots. The aggressiveness sapped whatever fight was left in “Chocolatito.”

A counter right hand dropped Gonzalez in the fourth round. Even though “Chocolatito” rose to his feet, it was obvious that he wasn’t in the fight at this, or any point. Another right hook from Sor Rungvisai sealed the deal as “Chocolatito” slumped to the canvas with no chance of rising to his feet at the 1:18 mark as Sor Rungvisai firmly established himself as the top super flyweight on the planet. “Chocolatito” immediately went to a local hospital after the fight.

After starting his career 46-0, “Chocolatito” has now lost two straight fights. While it’s too soon to suggest that his career is over, one has to wonder if “Chocolatito” can alter his style at this stage of his career. After Floyd Mayweather retired, Chocolatito was recognized by many as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world thanks to a ruthless style that overpowered his opponents with bell-to-bell aggression. Even though he is only 30 years old, the manner in which he fights has taken a toll on his body over the years.

As for Sor Rungvisai — who improved to 44-4-1 with his 40th knockout of his career — the sky is the limit. He hasn’t lost since dropping a technical decision to Carlos Cuadras in 2014 and has proven his worth as a super flyweight. Juan Francisco Estrada, who defeated Carlos Cuadras earlier in the night, is the mandatory opponent for Sor Rungvisai.

With a stacked 115 pound division, there will surely be some exciting fights down the line for the Thai fighter who has had one heck of a 2017.

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