The Ridgewood boxer who competed in the 2015 Olympic Trials in Colorado, recently traveled to North Carolina to fight in his very first professional bout — and defeated his opponent in under a minute to start off his career with an impressive victory.
Mathew Gonzalez had his hand raised just 57 seconds into the first round after knocking out his opponent Raekwon Speight at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC, in the 147 pound welterweight division on Saturday, May 20.
Gonzalez began competing in the amateur ranks at the age of 11, training and fighting out of the International Boxing & Fitness gym, located at 953C Cypress Ave. in Ridgewood. During his time training at the gym, he began training people to pick up some extra cash. He now works 40 hours a week at the gym training both adults and children the art of boxing aside from his boxing career.
After earning a 38-7 amateur record, and competing in national competitions such as the Olympic Trials and the Daily News Golden Gloves, Gonzalez’s team at International Boxing & Fitness gym believed that he was ready to turn pro, and even decided to fund his professional career.
“After Mathew competed in the semi-finals of the Daily New Golden Gloves, our team got together and decided that the best move now is to turn Mathew pro,” said Jenny Badillo, Mathew’s coach and owner of International Boxing & Fitness gym. “With the help of, Coach Eric Roman, Coach Victor Cruz, supporting members of International Boxing & Fitness Club, and myself, we used our resources to help Mathew in his transition.
Gonzalez is now preparing for his second pro fight, which will take place on Sept. 23, back in North Carolina, and the International Boxing & Fitness team is excited to see him flourish.
“Many talented young men never have the opportunity to turn pro due to the lack of resources and support of a team. Boxing is not only about talented boxers, but it’s also a business,” Badillo said. “You need the right team to get the ball rolling. Here at International Boxing & Fitness Club we are a family. We all got together to help. Now Mathew is 1-0 (1KO) and we have upcoming fights guaranteed.”
