'I have to win': Challenger Joet Gonzalez hoping third time's the charm in IBF title fight
Joet Gonzalez remained calm and collective as he walked on the stage for Wednesday's Top Rank Boxing press conference at the American Bank Center.
Even with thousands of viewers tuned in via the Top Rank Youtube Channel and dozens of ESPN cameras located around the room, the 29-year-old Gonzalez showed no signs of nervousness as he grabbed the microphone to talk about his upcoming fight against World Featherweight Champion Luis Alberto Lopez.
Gonzalez, after all, was no stranger to the big stage after winning international, global and continental boxing championships during his 11 years as a professional fighter.
"I'm truly grateful for the opportunity," Gonzalez said. "I've worked really hard and every time I step in the ring I want to give it my all."
Now or never
Gonzalez would love nothing more than to bring home an IBF featherweight championship for the first time in his career.
Gonzalez, who is a two-time world title challenger, having fought for the WBO featherweight title in 2019 and 2021, knows his chance to do so might be now or never.
The Mexican-American native of California is one of boxing’s top fighters never to win a world title after coming up short in previous title shots against Shakur Stevenson and Emanuel Navarrete.
"Plan and simple, I just have to win. This is my third opportunity and now I'm here again," Gonzalez said. "I'm ready to go and I have to get this fight one. I've worked really hard and come Friday night I'm going to become IBF champion."
Gonzalez comes from a family of fighters with his father Jose working as his head trainer. His brother Jousce is also an undefeated fighter and his sister Jajaira is one of the nation’s top female amateurs.
"It's been incredible," an emotional Gonzalez said of his family being by his side. "It's been everything because my family has been here since the beginning. To win this, it will be special for everybody."
Hometown fighter ready to represent Corpus Christi
John Rincon was a man of few words on Wednesday, but that's because he plans to let his hands do the talking when he climbs into the ring for his biggest fight yet.
The Corpus Christi native Rincon, who carries a 7-0 record with two knockouts, will face Puerto Rico's top prospect Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera during Friday's Top Rank fights at the America Bank Center.
"I'm happy to be here," Rincon said. "I'm going to put on a great show Friday in front of my city."
Rincon will switch to a six-round format for the first time, but isn't concerned about the change. His only goal is to win and take another steps towards his goal of becoming a world champion.
"I'm the only one from Texas here and I'm honored," Rincon said. "I'm going to put a on a show for Texas and I'm ready."
Friday's fighters
Friday's main event will be current featherweight world champion Luis Alberto Lopez taking on Joet Gonzalez.
The co-main fight will be between Roberto Valenzuela Jr. and Xander Zayas, followed by Emiliano Fernando Vargas, John Rincon, Julio Luna and Omar Aguilar.
More: 'I'm back and ready': Corpus Christi's John Rincon ready to rejuvenate himself as top fighter
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Joet Gonzalez, Luis Alberto Lopez hold press conference before Top Rank main event
