Gonzalez is required by the California State Athletic Commission to undergo a brain assessment following his knockout loss to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in September 2017. Unless he’s allowed into the country, ‘Chocolatito’ will be unable to fight on US soil.
Blandon explained the current situation in a recent interview with ESPN by saying: “Due to the instability that exists in Nicaragua, we have not been able to get the visa for Roman,” he told ESPN Deportes.
“We had the appointment on April 30. They canceled it. Then, on May 11, and they canceled it. The last one was on May 21, and they canceled it.
“We are waiting for that work visa because we have plans to make camp outside of Nicaragua and see if a fight will go forward in September.”
Initially planning to return to action this spring, the new delay means Gonzalez finds his career on hold until a resolution is forthcoming.
The 30 year-old is without a win since September 2016 when defeating Carlos Cuadras to become the number one fighter in the world and desperately needs to get clearance for a potential fight with Kal Yafai.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is keen to give Gonzalez a shot at the WBA belt. However, the multi-weight world champion will certainly need to get back in the win column before WBA President approves the opportunity.
Even if the fight could be made for the UK, Gonzalez would still be required to undergo medical checks before the contest could be made official.
