Jonathan Gonzalez Turns to AI for Training Support
Fourteen weeks before his scheduled bout against Yankiel Rivera, veteran boxer Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez found himself contemplating a new training approach in his hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico. At 34 years old and typically weighing around 135 pounds, Gonzalez faced the increasingly difficult task of cutting down to the flyweight division’s limit of 112 pounds while maintaining his strength and endurance.
Instead of consulting a traditional nutritionist, Gonzalez decided to experiment with a high-tech solution—artificial intelligence. He had previously used ChatGPT for less serious tasks, such as crafting social media captions, but this time, the stakes were higher. Gonzalez began typing specific dietary and training prompts into the AI-powered tool in hopes of receiving guidance that could help him reduce weight effectively and safely.
Diet Tips from ChatGPT
To his surprise, the chatbot provided detailed dietary recommendations—everything from specific food portions to calorie management tips. “It gave me solid menus for breakfast and lunch,” Gonzalez said. “It told me things like, ‘Eat four ounces of chicken breast.’ I even asked if I could eat pizza, and it said no, explaining how it could hinder weight loss due to water retention and high caloric content.”
Despite the disclaimer on ChatGPT’s website that it may make mistakes, Gonzalez found the guidance helpful and comprehensive. He sent his weekly weight updates to the AI assistant every Sunday and adjusted his diet and hydration routine based on its feedback. The bot’s reminders to drink more water and tweak his protein intake proved particularly valuable.
Redefining Nutrition and Hydration Beliefs
Beyond the specific meal plans, Gonzalez said the experience reshaped his understanding of nutrition, especially the role of water and protein in weight management. “Boxers often think water adds weight, but that’s a myth,” he explained. “Water weight is temporary. You sweat it out or lose it through urination. I drank a gallon daily until a week before the weigh-in.”
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining protein intake throughout training camp. “If you skip protein, you’ll enter the ring drained of energy,” Gonzalez warned. “I consumed up to 145 grams of protein daily through meals and supplements.”
Results in the Ring
Following the AI-generated suggestions, Gonzalez gradually lost 2-3 pounds per week, all while staying hydrated. Unlike previous camps, where extreme measures like wearing a plastic sauna suit were the norm, this time he only used the suit briefly during fight week to shed temporary water weight.
The payoff came on January 3 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Gonzalez dominated Rivera, knocking him down in the second round and repeatedly landing effective shots en route to a unanimous decision victory. The win earned him the WBA interim flyweight title and marked a strong comeback after a first-round stoppage loss to Anthony Olascuaga in October 2024.
Looking Ahead
For Gonzalez, the win was more than just a title—it was personal redemption. The former WBO junior flyweight champion, who held that belt from 2021 to 2024, proved he still had world-class skills. “I felt super happy during this training camp,” he said. “That’s rare when you’re living such a restricted lifestyle.”
Now at 125 pounds, Gonzalez feels confident moving forward. “I don’t want to push my body too much in the next camp. This one worked out well, and I’m excited to see how the next one goes,” he said.
While Gonzalez knows he doesn’t have many fights left, he believes that leveraging technology like AI can help extend his career and improve his health along the way. “I’ve got two or three fights left in me. I’m just waiting to see what opportunities come next,” he shared.
Gonzalez’s story is a testament to how athletes can use modern tools to adapt and thrive in demanding sports environments. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it may become a more common part of the training regimens for fighters seeking an edge, both in and out of the ring.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.