By Rey Colon

Puerto Rico's McWilliams Arroyo (16-2 and 14 KO's) is aware that he's a leading candidate to secure a world title shot on April 23 in California with Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez (44-0, 38 KOs), who currently holds the WBC flyweight championship.

His promoter, Peter Rivera of Puerto Rico Best Boxing, was approached about the fight and Arroyo immediately accepted. If a deal is made, it would take place as the HBO televised co-feature to the Gennady Golovkin-Dominic Wade card.

Also in the running to face Gonzalez is Mexico's Juan Hernandez.

"There was an approach with an offer. The negotiations are advanced but nothing has been confirmed. Peter offered me the fight and that's what I want, to fight for the title. For two years I've been waiting for another chance. I know it's a tough fight and he is one of the strongest fighters in the division, but I prefer to fight here than in Thailand. It would be in California on April 23 if everything is finalized. There is nothing signed as of yet," Arroyo said.

Gonzalez, standing at 5'3, has a streak of 10 consecutive victories by knockout and was junior flyweight champion (108 pounds) and minimumweight champion  (105 lbs) of the WBA before rising to 112 pounds where he won the WBC title by getting a knockout win over Akira Yaegashi in 2014 to become a three division world champion.

"I'm always training and we'll see if this becomes concrete. We are ready for this kind of fight. Why not fight the best? I'm in this sport to do good and have great fights. If you give me that opportunity I'll accept it with pleasure. I know that I have been inactive, but I'm always on time at the gym. I've seen him and I know he's a great fighter, very strong but I always trust in my talent and I always go up in the ring to give the best of myself," Arroyo said.

Rey Colon covers boxing for thesportpress.com.