In sad news it has been reported that the great Wilfredo Gomez has passed away at the age of 69. Gomez, known as “Bazooka” during his thrilling ring career, had been in hospital for a couple of weeks, this with respiratory problems. The three-weight world champion had suffered health issues previously, when he was afflicted with pneumonia and a pulmonary edema, this back in 2018.
Gomez’ son broke the news and since then tributes have been pouring in.
“Wilfredo Gomez, one of the greatest fighters of all time, is now resting in peace,” wrote WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.
Gomez, a terrific power puncher, really did engage in some classic, indeed epic fights. Going pro with a draw in November of 1974, Gomez would then score 32 knockouts on the spin, his withering power instantly obvious as well as spectacular to witness. In a tense Mexico Vs. Puerto Rico clash, Gomez was stopped in the eighth round by fellow great Salvador Sanchez, this for the WBC featherweight title in a huge fight that took place in Las Vegas in August of 1981.
Gomez, now 32-1-1, dropped back down to super bantamweight, where he continued to defend and retain his WBC title a further four times. Gomez won the WBC super bantam title in 1977, with him having made an impressive 13 retentions before moving up to challenge Sanchez. In March of 1984, Gomez, now aged 27, again moved up to featherweight, where be defeated Juan Laporte on points to take the WBC belt. In his next fight, “Bazooka” was stopped by yet another all-time great, this when Azumah Nelson stopped him in the 11th round of another exciting battle.
Four fights followed, including a close decision win over Rocky Lockridge, with Gomez winning his third world title, this being the WBA super featherweight crown. Alfredo Layne took Gomez’s final world title with a ninth round stoppage win the following year, in May of 1986. Gomez went out a winner, however, as he scored two KO wins, these in July of 1988 and in July of 1989.
Gomez’ final ring record reads 44 wins, with three losses and a draw. In all, Gomez scored 42 knockouts.
Wars with Sanchez, Nelson, Carlos Zarate, Lupe Pintor, and others saw Gomez light up the sport in a big, big way. “Bazooka” was inducted into The International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.
Former WBO president Paco Valcarcel is another prominent figure from the sport to pay tribute:
“Rest in peace, my eternal champion Wilfredo ‘Bazooka’ Gomez,” Valcarcel wrote.
