“It had been bothering me for around four years, but I would always get through the pain with mobility exercises and strength conditioning,” Gonzalez said to The Ring. “[My] last camp in 2025, I was sparring Nicaragua’s best prospect, missed a punch, and felt my shoulder dislocate completely. I was in terrible pain.
“I went to get it checked out in Costa Rica, and the shoulder specialist told me I had a serious injury that dated back six or seven years ago, but was using my second muscles from the scapula to compensate; therefore, he felt surgery was imminent.”
Gonzalez (53-4, 42 KOs) still fought last September in Nicaragua while trying to position himself for another world title opportunity, but said the injury worsened during the bout.
“Unfortunately, during the second round of the fight, my shoulder blew out, and I had to continue the remaining eight rounds with just one arm,” Gonzalez said. “In January, a team of shoulder doctors from Colombia, Nicaragua, and the USA came to Nicaragua to perform a surgery, attend to my injury, and perform other procedures around my shoulder area.”
The Nicaraguan star said the recovery process has been difficult, though he believes the operation was necessary, whether he fights again or not.
“The doctors said it takes approximately two to three months for the muscle to re-attach properly and around another three months to regain full mobility and strength,” he said. “I have a great team around me in physical therapy and feel highly motivated.
“To be honest, regardless of whether I ever get to fight again or not, I needed this surgery to have a normal, functional life after my boxing career.”
Gonzalez said he still thinks constantly about returning for one final run, though he has not yet tested his full strength in training.
“Only time and my body will tell the truth,” Gonzalez said. “As of now I have been feeling great and rehab is going well although it’s very challenging and gruesome at times but I still have not tested my brute force or my signature left hook.
“I definitely want one more title shot before I hang up the gloves, but I would partake in a preparation fight before landing a title shot, so we will have to see. Until I see my body in a full-throttle workout, I cannot assess my future within the ring.”
“There is one thing I must admit to myself and to my fans. There is not one second that goes by that I don’t miss camp or the adrenaline right before getting my hands wrapped for a fight. I pray every day that I get to fight at least one last time, leaving the glorious ring with one last victory.”
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