Albert Gonzalez after his second round knockout of Alexis Molina on December 16, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Albert Gonzalez could be one of the best boxers to come out of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy.
That’s saying a lot, considering the amount of talent Garcia has coached over the years.
Gonzalez, who will be a featherweight, is undefeated on Saturday night, knocking out Edgar de la Cruz Gonzalez at Sala Urbana in Naucalpan, Mexico.
The 22-year-old, who lives in the Los Angeles area of Perris, improved to 11-0, 7.
Garcia, who began training Gonzalez after his third fight as a pro, has been impressed with Gonzalez’s growth over the past few months. Garcia is confident he will be a top contender in the 126-pound division.
“Albert is one of the best fighters in my gym,” Garcia told The Ring earlier Wednesday. “This (last Saturday) was his first eight rounds, but we plan to take him to 10 rounds soon. Albert will soon be among the 126 players. “
Against de la Cruz Gonzalez, Albert Gonzalez dominated the action from the opening bell. Gonzalez knocked out de la Cruz Gonzalez with a combination in the third round, resulting in him being counted out.
Saturday’s win comes six weeks after Gonzalez stopped Damian Alcala, also in the third round. On July 13, Gonzalez stopped the previously beaten Conrado Martinez in the sixth round.
A few days after defeating Alcala, Gonzalez signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank. Garcia acknowledged that Gonzalez is in good hands with Top Rank, which is considered the best promotion company in guiding young prospects to world title competition.
“This kid has a great future,” Garcia told The Ring in August. “Top Rank is good at promoting fights and I think they will get the ‘Chop Chop’ to become (a) world champion. (I am) very happy about his future with Top Rank.”
De la Cruz Gonzalez, who lives in San Cristobal Huichochitlan, Mexico, falls to 9-5, 4 KOs.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has handled boxing in Southern California and internationally since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. They can be reached at [email protected]
