Arnold González is an American boxer by birth, who identifies with Ecuador when he steps into the ring. His attire features a tricolor flag with the national emblem embroidered. "It is an honor to be in Ecuador, it is my second home, my parents are Ecuadorian. It is a great responsibility to come to Ecuador and represent the whole country," González said in an interview with EL UNIVERSO last Friday at the Huancavilca Coliseum of Fedeguayas.
González was born 26 years ago in New York, but his parents are Ecuadorian. He recalls growing up under the influence of Ecuadorian culture, either by celebrating the festivities held here in Ecuador or by occasionally visiting Guayaquil and Cuenca, where his relatives live.
Last Saturday, González was part of the first international professional boxing event in the country this year, at the Huancavilca Coliseum. However, despite the organization's program, the North American ended up starring in the main fight by defeating his Venezuelan opponent Jeffrey Quintero, via technical knockout, in the third round.
"Improved to 6-0 by second technical knockout. Thanks to everyone who wished me the best, no message goes unnoticed," González celebrated with a post on Instagram after achieving his second success in Ecuador, following the victory on September 5, 2020, in Quito, by unanimous decision against the national Jhordy Mina in six rounds. With a record of six wins in six professional fights since February 2019, González tells EL UNIVERSO that his aspiration is to earn "the support of all Ecuador" and thus, in the near future, "go boxing in the United States or any country at the highest level."
'Pacquiao' Sparring
González met trainer Julian Chua after the Ecuadorian-blooded boxer served as a sparring partner for Filipino star Manny Pacquiao at a training camp that coincided with the Christmas and New Year holidays of 2018 in Los Angeles, he says.
"Wherever Julian goes, I go; I want to train with Julian and he is giving me the opportunity, because he has world champions like Mexican Gilberto Ramírez (current WBO super middleweight champion)," said the winner of Saturday's main event. In the co-main event, Diego Quiñónez defeated Antonio Ocles via KO, and in other fights, Kareem Hackett (Canada) defeated Mario Mina by decision and Julio Angulo defeated Johan Sosa (Venezuela) by decision. (D)