Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez, one of the greatest boxers from Puerto Rico, died on the night of Saturday, October 10, at the age of 69, as confirmed by his son in a televised intervention on Sunday. The former world champion was hospitalized for the past two weeks due to respiratory difficulties, but the family has not revealed the official cause of death.
A career of legendary power
Born on October 29, 1956, in San Juan, Gómez began his career as an amateur boxer representing Puerto Rico in the Munich 1972 Olympics and winning gold in the 1974 Amateur World Boxing Championship in Havana.
He turned professional in 1974 and, in 1977, won his first world super bantamweight title after knocking out Korean Dong Kyun Yum at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. From then on, he defended his crown 17 times, with all matches ending in knockouts.
Memorable encounters
- October 28, 1978: Technical knockout over Mexican Carlos Zárate in the fifth round.
- August 1981: Invicto loss to Salvador Sánchez in Las Vegas, a landmark clash between Puerto Rico and Mexico.
- December 1982: Technical knockout over Lupe Pintor in the 14th round.
- 1984: World featherweight champion after defeating Juan Laporte.
- 1985: World super featherweight champion after beating Rocky Lockridge.
Legacy and recognition
With 44 wins, 42 by knockout, three losses, and one draw, Gómez was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the honorary title of world champion from the World Boxing Organization in 2018.
His death represents a profound loss for Puerto Rican sports and the world of boxing, where his name remains associated with the power of his punches and unforgettable fights.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
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