Tragic death of a great champion Julio Cesar Gonzalez
Gonzalez (41-8, 25 KOs) shocked the world on October 18, 2003 when he won the WBO light heavyweight world title by dethroning the long-reigning, ring legend Dariusz Michalczewski in Germany. Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
The Julio Cesar Gonzalez family released information today, Sunday, March 11, 2012, regarding the tragic death of the former world champion in a motorcycle accident. At the time of his death, Gonzalez, who has a residence in Huntington Beach, CA was visiting his father and helping out on the family ranch in Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
After being hit by a hit-and-run drunk driver on Saturday, March 10, 2012, it took more than an hour and a half to get help.
Gonzalez (41-8, 25 KOs) shocked the world on October 18, 2003 when he won the WBO light heavyweight world title by dethroning the long-reigning, ring legend Dariusz Michalczewski in Germany.
As a member of the 1996 Mexican Olympic team, Gonzalez boxed as a Light Heavyweight. Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the first round of the event by Vasili Jirov of Kazkhstan.
On April 7, 1997, Gonzalez turned pro and went on to win his first 27 bouts, 17 by either TKO or KO. Gonzalez, who was first managed by Norman Kaplan with co-manager and trainer Mack Kurihara thru to the Zoldt Erdi fight and later trained by Samuel Gomez and managed by Rogelio Robles, never failed to put on a great show. He had victories over such notables as Montell Griffin, David Telesco, Dariusz Michalczewski, Glen Johnson and Tony Menefee. His losses came against Roy Jones Jr., Felipe Romero, twice, Tavoris Cloud, Clinton Woods, twice, Zsolt Erdei, and Reggie Johnson.
He leaves behind a wife and two children, as well as countless friends. Our condolences to his family and friends for this irreparable loss.
Below are some photos and also some videos from his amazing life and performances in the ring. First we have the first of three videos from the Julian Letterlough vs Julio Gonzalez 12 round light heavyweight bout on February 2, 2001
2nd of 3 videos Julian Letterlough vs Julio Caesar Gonzalez in a 12 round light heavyweight bout
3rd of three videos Julian Letterlough vs Julio Caesar Gonzalez in a 12 round light heavyweight bout
Two young warriors both gone way too early and both so tragically. Letterlough was shot and killed in 2005 and now Gonzalez was killed by a drunk driver. Both were taken from us at the early age of 35.
Julio Gonzalez also fought Roy Jones Jr. Here is video #4 of four from that bout.
On June 9, 1997, Julio Gonzalez (R) was celebrating his knockout of James Brock in the 1st round during their bout at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, CA. Pat Russell of San Diego (L) refereed the contest. Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport
On April 17, 2001, the Staples Center president Tim Leiweke stood between Julio Gonzalez (L) and Roy Jones Jr. (R) during their press conference to announce their fight of July 28th. Photo: Jeff Gross/Allsport
Roy Jones Jr. (R) delivers a blow to Julio Gonzalez at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Jones retained his title after 12 rounds. Photo: Eliot Schechter/Allsport
Roy Jones Jr. (R) is shown throwing a second blow on the side of Julio Gonzalez’s head at the Staples Center, July 28, 2001. Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport
A more recent photo shows Clinton Woods (L) connecting with a left hook during an IBF Light-Heavyweight title fight with Julio Gonzalez on September 29, 2007 at The Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, England. Photo: John Gichigi/Getty Images
Julio Gonzalez poses for a photo in front of the Rose Garden, near the Natural History Museum in south central Los Angeles, CA on May 4, 2002. Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images
