Former four division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez has undergone successful surgery at a hospital in Costa Rica, due to an injury to his right knee which prevented him from fighting on December 8 in Carson, California.

The surgery had no complications, according to Carlos Blandon, the longtime manager of the former champion.

“We will be evaluating his recovery day by day, but Roman feels very motivated and relieved to have overcome the first part of this great test in his career,” said Blandon.

Roman’s injury happened during his camp, where he trained in Costa Rica and was guided by coach Marcos Caballero and physical trainer Rafael Rojas.

Gonzalez, a former champion at 105, 108, 112 and 115, has a record of 47 wins (39 knockouts) and 2 losses. This year he only fought once, KO’ing Mexican Moisés Fuentes on September 15 as part of the Canelo Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin rematch in Las Vegas.

Another former world champion, Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada, will replace González on the card.

The event takes place this Saturday, December 8 as part of the “Undisputed” card, at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Bittersweet and historic, as this will be the last boxing card to be televised on HBO, who recently announced their decision to walk away from boxing after more than 45 years.

Estrada, (37-3-0, 25 KO’s), of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico will face Victor ‘Spock’ Méndez, (28-3-2, 20 KOs) Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico in a 10 rounds bantamweight bout.

“It’s a great opportunity for my career, I was training for the world championship that I hope will take place in February or March of 2019 and I’m ready to give a superb show to Los Angeles fans,” said Estrada adding:

“I know Méndez very well. He’s a strong fighter with a lot of hunger and will give everything in the ring, I know it is a very risky fight for me. But my experience will be a decisive factor in this fight. A good show and that is guaranteed when two Mexicans face each other.”