Back to Work: Danny Gonzalez ends layoff with gritty Philadelphia win
Photo by David Algranati/TheFightPhotos
At first glance, Danny Gonzalez’s first opponent of 2026 appeared to be an easy touch for a fighter returning from a lengthy layoff. Gonzalez knew better than to judge an opponent strictly by what he saw on BoxRec.
Gonzalez ended a nine-month layoff Saturday night, earning a four-round majority decision over Florida’s Shaquille Rushing (0-12-1) at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Two judges scored the junior welterweight fight 39-37 for Gonzalez, while the third had it even at 38-38.
Despite Rushing’s record, Gonzalez could tell from studying footage that he was a crafty fighter. His durability was also evident: Rushing had not been stopped since his professional debut more than two years ago.
“I’m grateful to come back and fight a game opponent who made me work for the win,” said Gonzalez (7-2-1, 6 KOs), a 31-year-old Iselin resident who was fighting for the first time since suffering a third-round stoppage loss to Joshua Jones in November of 2025.
“He was much better than his record showed, but I was expecting that after seeing the opposition he faced and watching some film on him. His record is deceiving. He was very durable and had better skills than his record showed on paper.”
The layoff lasted longer than Gonzalez had anticipated. He had been scheduled to return in May before the card was canceled. Rather than wait around for a new date, Gonzalez used the additional time to refine the subtler parts of his game.
“I worked on my composure as a professional. I worked on my patience, ring generalship and defense,” Gonzalez said. “Most people know me for my power and explosiveness, but I took this time to become a more complete boxer.”
Boxing has also taken on an even greater role in Gonzalez’s daily life. On July 6, he began assisting his trainer, Derrick “Poppy” Rolon, in running the Elizabeth Recreation Boxing Gym. Working with developing amateurs has given Gonzalez a different perspective on his own career.
“Helping out at the gym has been a blessing in disguise. Being around boxing all day helps me as a fighter. I get to see things and hold myself accountable in ways I previously couldn’t,” Gonzalez said.
“I can’t train a fighter, tell them to do something and then not do it myself.”
The responsibility has also provided Gonzalez with fulfillment beyond his own wins and losses. Instead of simply arriving at the gym for his personal training sessions, he is now helping build an environment in which others can develop in the sport.
“It has also been great for my peace of mind, doing a job I love around great people,” Gonzalez said. “The people of the City of Elizabeth are great, and they’ve brought me in with open arms.”
With his first victory of the year secured, Gonzalez hopes to stay busy for the remainder of 2026, ideally returning to the ring two or three more times.
“I want to stay active,” Gonzalez said. “I want to face fighters who will continue to help me get better and improve my game. I want to finish 2026 strong, so by the time 2027 comes around, I’ll be prepared if I get my shot and the opportunity presents itself.”
In other action on the R&B Promotions card, Bayonne’s Justin Penaranda (5-0-1, 4 KOs) earned a shutout unanimous decision over Nicaragua’s Martin Diaz (18-24-2, 8 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout.
In the eight-round welterweight main event, Kurt Scoby (20-2, 18 KOs) stopped Alfredo Blanco (24-17-1, 11 KOs) after the fourth round.