August 3 is the date bandied about for the ring return of former IBF/NABF Super Middleweight Champion Jesus “El Martillo” Gonzales. After his humiliating 1st round KO at the hands of Adonis Stevenson earlier this year, Gonzales quickly became a punch line as opposed to a fighter known for doing his punching in the ring.
Expect the event to be held at one of the casinos in Arizona. Fan Base Promotions will produce the show if it happens. ESPN is well aware of the rating numbers their televised Gonzales vs. Sierra event generated on July 8, 2011. According to published reports, it was a fan favorite bout of 2011 and the attendance was reported at 5,000 which is huge for a ESPN televised fight.
Gonzales hopes a main event appearance on ESPN Friday Night Fights will prove to the boxing world that he is once again a contender and not a pretender. ESPN has nixed three potential opponents including Albert “The Punisher” Onolunose. Deal could be announced in two weeks or less.
Expect fellow Fan Base stable mate Light Middleweight Janks Trotter to be on the card, if Gonzales is inked. Trotter, a fan favorite, has been inactive since his knockout loss to fellow Canadian Adam Trupish. Both boxers are at the crossroads of their careers……a loss would be very damaging to the careers of both popular pugilists.
Meanwhile, Poenix Super Middleweight Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez aka “The Pride of Phoenix”, turned down a rematch with Canadian Steve Franjic. They fought to a majority draw in Calgary, Alberta earlier this year in a controversial Light Heavyweight contest. Hernandez corner was upset when the referee stopped the action in the first round and administered a questionable standing 8 count which allowed Franjic to survive the round and continue fighting.
At the start of the second round it was obvious that “The Pride of Phoenix” injured his right hand at the end of round 1 and for the next 5 rounds, he was a one handed fighter. Despite the handicap, Hernandez baffled and angered his taller opponent with side to side movement.
When the majority draw decision was announced; the crowd roared its’ disapproval…they were solidly behind the American from Phoenix, Arizona. Hernandez said no to Team Franjic because he didn’t feel comfortable fighting as a Light Heavy.
