José A. González: Puerto Rican Lightweight Title Challenger
Puerto Rican lightweight José A. González challenged Ricky Burns for the WBO world title in Glasgow on 11 May 2013. Burns retained the championship after González retired at the end of the ninth round with a wrist injury.
José “Chelo” González’s lightweight career
Known as “Chelo,” González came from Puerto Rico’s Toa Baja boxing community and was born in Bayamón. He boxed from an orthodox stance. His professional debut was a points victory over Israel Suarez in April 2008, beginning a run that eventually carried him to world championship contention.
He captured the vacant WBO Latino lightweight title against Gerardo Cuevas in June 2011. Later victories over Edgardo Soto, Fernando Trejo, Hevinson Herrera and Oscar Cuero helped establish the regional phase of his career before the trip to Scotland.
The challenge against Ricky Burns
González entered the Burns fight unbeaten in 22 bouts, with 17 knockouts. The WBO’s account described his movement and jab as effective early in the contest, followed by a particularly strong seventh round in which he pressured Burns against the ropes.
Burns recovered during the eighth and ninth rounds. González remained in his corner when the tenth was due to begin, ending the challenge and giving him his first professional loss. The retirement result is different from a points defeat after the scheduled distance.
González returned to winning form against Antonio Joao Bento in December 2014 and Marvin Quintero in April 2015. He then lost to Diego Magdaleno in June 2015.
The WBO’s fight report documents the date, title and result; BoxRec lists González’s professional record. Sources: Dated professional results; [1] [2]
Sources
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
