Admittedly his powers have waned over the past few years and at 38, he is no longer at his brilliant best.

The four-weight world champion had hoped to get one last world title opportunity before bowing out. However, a persistent shoulder injury halted those plans and forced him to have surgery on January 29.

"It had been bothering me for around four years but I would always get through the pain with mobility exercises and strength conditioning," Gonzalez (53-4, 42 KOs) told The Ring. "[My] last camp in 2025 I was sparring Nicaragua's best prospect, missed a punch and felt my shoulder dislocate completely, I was in terrible pain.

"I went to get it checked out in Costa Rica and the shoulder specialist told me I had a serious injury that dated back six or seven years ago, but was using my second muscles from the scapula to compensate, therefore he felt a surgery was imminent."

Gonzalez fought at home in Nicaragua last September in order to prepare himself of a title shot. However, those plans came to a halt.

"Unfortunately, during the second round of the fight, my shoulder blew out and I had to continue the remaining eight rounds with just one arm," he said. "In January a team of shoulder doctors from Colombia, Nicaragua and USA came to Nicaragua to perform a surgery, attend my injury and other procedures around my shoulder area."

Gonzalez is roughly halfway through the rehab and things are improving gradually.

"The doctors said it takes approximately two to three months for the muscle to re-attach properly and around another three months to regain full mobility and strength," he explained. "I have a great team around me in physical therapy and feel highly motivated.

"To be honest, regardless if I ever get to fight again or not, I needed this surgery to have a normal functional life after my boxing career."

The Nicaraguan is haunted by the thought of 'one last fight' and whether that will be possible but is currently distracting himself with business ventures at home keeping him busy.

"Only time and my body will tell the truth," he said.

"As of now I have been feeling great and rehab is going well although it's very challenging and gruesome at times but I still have not tested my brute force or my signature left hook. For now, I am concentrated on regaining full mobility and strength and keep working on my real estate businesses I have forged throughout the years."

If Gonzalez is able to make one last run, he has an ideal scenario in mind.

"I love to fight in front of my country and family," the 20-year pro said.

"I definitely want one more title shot before I hang up the gloves, but would partake in a preparation fight before landing a title shot so we will have to see. Until I see my body in a full throttle workout, I cannot assess my future within the ring, only time and God will tell.

"There is one thing I must admit to myself and to my fans. There is not one second that goes by that I don't miss camp or the adrenaline right before getting my hands wrapped for a fight. I pray everyday that I get to fight at least one last time, leaving the glorious ring with one last victory."