Arnulfo Obando, the head trainer of pound-for-pound king and junior bantamweight world titleholder Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez, has been declared brain dead but remains on a ventilator after having a recent stroke and undergoing surgery for a brain aneurysm.
Carlos Blandon, Gonzalez's manager, told ESPN that Obando was declared brain dead on Monday but remains connected to an artificial respirator.
"(He) should be let to rest in peace, but his family are the one that make that decision," Blandon said. "We are all very sad and cannot believe this is happening. Roman and the team will utilize this as a catalyst for victory. We know Arnulfo is taking care of us from heaven, therefore we are set to make him and his legacy proud."
Obando, 54, who is hospitalized in Managua, Nicaragua, took over training four-division champion Gonzalez in 2010 and helped guide him to world titles at junior flyweight, flyweight and junior bantamweight.
With Obando in his corner, Gonzalez (46-0, 38 KOs) won a junior bantamweight title by unanimous decision from Mexico's Carlos Cuadras on Sept. 10 at The Forum in Inglewood, California, in what many viewed as the most difficult fight of his career. With the win, Gonzalez became the first Nicaraguan boxer to win a world title in four weight divisions. By getting the fourth title, Gonzalez broke the Nicaraguan record held by the late Hall of Famer Alexis Arguello, his mentor, idol and trainer earlier in his career.
Gonzalez's next fight was not being planned for until the spring, possibly a rematch with Cuadras. Blandon said they will not seek a new trainer from outside his current team.
"Luckily, we have a team of three trainers, therefore we will not hire any other trainer and Roman will maintain his other two trainers, Luis Gonzalez and Wilmer Hernandez."
Blandon said Obando suffered the stroke in the small town of Terrabona, Nicaragua, where he was visiting his in-laws.
"It's a very sad situation," said Tom Loeffler, managing director of K2 Promotions, which co-promotes Gonzalez. "Obando was an excellent trainer and did a great job with Roman. But it shows you that in life you can't take anything for granted and it is precious."