Gonzales was the winner of the Val Barker Trophy for Outstanding Boxer at those Games, after having won a silver medal the previous year at the 1983 Pan American Games.
Amateur highlights
1983 United States Amateur Light Flyweight Champion
1984 Olympic Light-Flyweight Gold Medalist at Los Angeles Games. Results were:
Gonzales began his professional career on August 11, 1985 and, in only his third fight, captured the NABF Flyweight title by defeating veteran Alonzo Strongbow Gonzalez. He defended his title once, winning a unanimous decision over legendary future Bantamweight Champion Orlando Canizales on July 20, 1986. After losing a controversial decision to Ray Medel for the USBA Flyweight title on June 17, 1988, he again challenged Canizales. This time on June 10, 1990, and for Canizales' IBFBantamweight belt. In the rematch, Gonzales was stopped by TKO in the 2nd round due to cuts. After two more losses against lackluster competition, Gonzales retired in 1991.
Gonzales tried to run for office, but was defeated. He was a car salesman.
Gonzales was the acting president of the Queensland Olympic Council.[3]
References
^"Mexicanos: A History of Mexicans in the United States", Manuel G. Gonzales. Page 299. Indiana University Press, 2000. ISBN0-253-21400-9, ISBN978-0-253-21400-3
