Wilfredo Gómez

Wilfredo Gómez
Gómez c.2003
Statistics
Real name Wilfredo Gómez Rivera
Nickname(s) Bazooka
Weight(s) Super bantamweight
Featherweight
Super featherweight[1]
Height 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)[2]
Nationality Puerto Rican
Born (1956-10-29) October 29, 1956[2]
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Stance Orthodox[1]
Boxing record
Total fights 48
Wins 44
Wins by KO 42
Losses 3
Draws 1
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  Puerto Rico
World Amateur Championships
Havana 1974 Bantamweight

Wilfredo Gómez Rivera[3] (Spanish pronunciation: [wilˈfɾeðo ˈɣomes]; born October 29, 1956), sometimes referred to as Bazooka Gómez, is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer and three-time world champion. He is frequently mentioned among the best Puerto Rican boxers of all time by sports journalists and analysts, along with Félix Trinidad, Miguel Cotto, Wilfred Benítez, Esteban De Jesús, Edwin Rosario, and Carlos Ortíz.[4]

His seventeen consecutive knockouts in championship defenses is a record for all boxing divisions. He was ranked number 13 on The Ring magazine's list of the "100 greatest punchers of all time".[5] In 1995, Gómez was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Biography

Gómez was born in a poor area of Las Monjas in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the son of Jacobo Gomez and Julia Rivera. He has admitted to newspapers that, as a little child, he had to fight off bullies on Las Monjas' streets. He constantly fought in school as per his family members remember. He has told some Puerto Rican newspapers that he felt he was born to fight because of that situation. Gómez's father was a taxi driver and his mother was a homemaker. Gómez himself reportedly used a bicycle as means of transportation when he was young, and he sold candy to earn pocket money before becoming an amateur boxer.[6]

Amateur career and professional debut

Gómez won the gold medal at the 1974 Central American and Caribbean Games held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and 1974 World Championships in Havana, Cuba before turning professional.[7] He also competed in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, getting eliminated by an Egyptian rival in the Olympic's first round of bouts.[8] He compiled an overall record of 96 wins and 3 defeats as an amateur boxer. Because of his family's economic situation, he decided not to wait for the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, opting to begin making money right after the Cuban competition instead. Coming from Puerto Rico, he settled for less money and exposure from the American media, and moved to Costa Rica, where he began to tour all of Central America in hopes of finding matches. His professional debut came in Panama City, Panama, where he fought to a draw with Jacinto Fuentes.

Professional career

After this inauspicious debut, he reeled off a streak of 32 knockout wins in a row.[7] Including wins over Fuentes, who was dispatched in 2 rounds in a rematch, and future world champion Alberto Davila, who lasted 9 rounds before being defeated. His 32 knockout wins in a row make him one of two world champions with the longest knockout streak in history, placing him in a third place tie behind LaMar Clark (44) and Billy Fox (43) for the all-time knockout streak, and tied with Deontay Wilder. Among world champions, Gómez had the longest knockout winning streak; neither Clark nor Fox won world titles.[6] After Deontay Wilder defeated Bermane Stiverne for the WBC world Heavyweight title by unanimous 12-round decision on January 17, 2015, Wilder, who had won his first 32 fights by knockout, tied Gomez for the longest knockout streak by a world champion in boxing history, but at the same time had his own knockout streak snapped, ending his hopes to break Gomez's record and become the world champion with the longest streak.

Gómez's knockout streak caught the eye of the WBC and Lineal Super Bantamweight champion Dong Kyun Yum of South Korea, who travelled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to defend his crown against Gómez. Yum had a promising start, dropping Gómez 30 seconds into the bout, but Gómez picked himself up and eventually won the crown, his first world title, with a 12th-round knockout.[9][6] His first defense took him to Tokyo, where he beat former world champion Royal Kobayashi in three rounds.[6] Kobayashi had lasted 5 rounds vs Alexis Argüello. Next was Sagat Petchyindee in a small city of Thailand. He lasted two rounds. Petchyndee later became a world champion Thai and kick-boxer and famous actor in Thailand.[10]

Gómez's streak reached 32 knockouts in a row, including what is generally considered to be his biggest victory ever, a five-round defeat of bantamweight champion Carlos Zarate, who was 55–0 with 54 knockout wins coming into their San Juan bout.[11] Also included in that streak was future world champion Leo Cruz, beaten in 13 rounds at San Juan and Derrick Holmes, knocked out in five rounds in a fight attended, among others, by Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers and Alexis Arguello.[12] After recording his 32nd. knockout win in a row, he moved up in weight to face the world featherweight champion Salvador Sánchez of Mexico. He lost to Salvador Sanchez by 8th-round TKO.

External audio
You may watch Wilfredo Gomez fight various boxers, among them Lupe Pintor, here

Hoping to get a rematch with Sanchez, Gómez went back to the super bantamweight division, where he got a dispense from the WBC to make two preparation bouts before defending his title again.[13] He did so and won two non-title bouts, both by knockout in the 2nd round, one over Jose Luis Soto, who was a stablemate of Julio César Chávez back in Culiacán, Mexico. Wins over future world champ Juan 'Kid' Meza, knocked out in six in Atlantic City, and Juan Antonio Lopez, knocked out in ten as part of the Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney undercard followed.[13] But all chances of a rematch with Sanchez were dashed when Sanchez died in a car crash outside Mexico City the morning of August 12, 1982. Boxing fans across Latin America mourned the tragedy. Gómez, who was training to defend against Mexican Roberto Rubaldino only five days later, took a quick trip to Mexico to offer Sanchez flowers and then returned to Puerto Rico the same afternoon. He beat Rubaldino by knockout in 8 rounds and made one more title defense, against the Mexican bantamweight world champ Lupe Pintor in the Carnival of Champions in New Orleans, winning by knockout in 14 rounds.[13] The Pintor contest was the only time a Gómez fight was showcased on HBO, which at the time exclusively showcased the largest boxing fights, much like the Pay Per View system does currently.

By the time he was done with the Junior Featherweights, Gómez had established a division record of 17 defenses, and a world record of most defenses in a row won by knockout, all his defenses finishing before the established distance limit.[14]

Featherweight division

He then re-tried winning the Featherweight title and this time, he achieved his dream, winning his second world title by dethroning Juan Laporte, a fellow Puerto Rican who had won the title left vacant after Sanchez died. He beat Laporte by a 12-round unanimous decision. This time, however, it didn't last that long. Ahead on all scorecards, Gómez was the victim of a rally by Azumah Nelson of Ghana who knocked him out in 11 rounds in San Juan, December 8, 1984.[15]

Gómez wanted either a rematch with Nelson or a shot at WBA and Lineal Junior Lightweight world champion Rocky Lockridge of New Jersey, whichever came first. Lockridge was first to offer Gómez a try, and the 2 battled a closely scored 15 round bout in San Juan, with Gómez being given a unanimous 15-round decision, which many experts have said Lockridge deserved, but also which in the opinion of most who saw it live, was a justified decision.[16][13]

This reign also came to an end quick, Gómez being handed his 3rd loss at the hands of young Alfredo Layne by knockout in 9 rounds. Layne lost the title in his own first defense to South Africa's Brian Mitchell, and it became obvious Gómez's best years had gone by, so he retired after this fight.

Last fights and retirement

Gómez tried a comeback in 1988 and 1989, but after winning 2 more bouts by knockout, he realized boxing wasn't in his heart anymore and retired for good. He later moved to Venezuela, where he ran into drug problems, causing him trouble with the law and spending some months in jail.[17] He attended a rehabilitation center in Colombia. Gómez rebounded and is now back in Puerto Rico, where he has managed to stay off drugs. He helped Hector 'Macho' Camacho with the training of Camacho's son Héctor Camacho Jr., who is a boxer in the Jr Welterweight division. In 1998, Gòmez became a born-again Christian.[18]

On May 18, 2003, Gómez returned to Panama, where he was received by Duran and Eusebio Pedroza, among others. In a message geared towards Panamanians, he expressed thanks to that country, calling it his second country and saying, among other things "I'm very motivated now that I will return to Puerto Rico, and no one should be surprised if I buy an apartment in Panama and move my family here".[19] However, he bought a house in Orlando, Florida in 2006.

Gómez had a record of 44 win, 3 losses and 1 draw, with 42 knock out wins. In 1978, he was named Boxing Illustrated's fighter of the year. He is now a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Gomez was voted as the Greatest Super Bantamweight Ever in 2014 by the Houston Boxing Hall Of Fame. The HBHOF is a voting body composed totally of current and former fighters. In 2003 a biographical film entitled Bazooka: The Battles of Wilfredo Gómez was produced by Cinemar Films, the documental was directed by Mario Diaz and was filmed in New York City.[20][21]

Personal

Gómez has three daughters Jennifer, Gina and Liz Irina and one son Wilfredo Junior.[22] He is good friends with Panamanian boxing legend Roberto Duran.[12]

Gómez was once married to Carolina Gamboa.[23]

On April 17, 2015, Gómez was arrested by Puerto Rican police after allegedly hitting his 59-year-old companion, a lady with whom he had been living for ten months. He was released after she refused to raise charges against him.[3]

British boxer Michael Gomez adapted his last name from Armstrong to Gomez as a homage to Wilfredo, who was his childhood idol.[24]

A biographical book about Gomez, written by author Christian Giudice and named "A Fire Burns Within", was released May 9, 2016.[25]

Gomez was hospitalized on May 21, 2018 in Cupey, Puerto Rico, suffering from a pulmonary edema and pneumonia.[26]

Professional record

44 Wins (42 knockouts, 2 decisions), 3 Losses, 1 Draw [27]
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Win44–3–1United States Mario Salazar KO2(10)July 19, 1989United States Diplomat Hotel, Hallandale, Florida, USA
Win43–3–1Mexico Mario González TKO6(8)July 30, 1988United States Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA Not the Mario Gonzalez who won a Bronze medal at the 1988 Olympic Games.[28]
Loss42–3–1Panama Alfredo Layne TKO9(15)May 24, 1986Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Lost WBA and Lineal Super featherweight titles.
Win42–2–1United States Rocky Lockridge MD15May 19, 1985Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Won WBA and Lineal Super featherweight titles.
Loss41–2–1Ghana Azumah Nelson KO11(12)December 8, 1984Puerto Rico Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico Lost WBC Featherweight title.
Win41–1–1Puerto Rico Juan Laporte UD12March 31, 1984Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Won WBC Featherweight title.
Win40–1–1Panama Eladio Santana[29] KO2(10)December 14, 1983Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win39–1–1Netherlands Iván Zamuco TKO3(10)April 23, 1983Puerto Rico Juan Pachín Vicéns Coliseum, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Win38–1–1Mexico Lupe Pintor TKO14(15)December 3, 1982United States Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Retained WBC Super Bantamweight title
Win37–1–1United States Roberto Rubaldino TKO8(15)August 18, 1982Puerto Rico Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico Retained WBC Super Bantamweight title
Win36–1–1Mexico Juan Antonio López TKO10(15)June 11, 1982United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Valley, USA Retained WBC Super Bantamweight title
Win35–1–1Mexico Juan Meza TKO6(15)March 27, 1982United States Playboy Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA Retained WBC Super Bantamweight title
Win34–1–1Mexico José Luis Soto KO2(10)February 20, 1982Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win33–1–1United States José González TKO7(10)January 9, 1982Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico
Loss32–1–1Mexico Salvador Sánchez TKO8(15)August 21, 1981United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Valley, USA For WBC Featherweight title
Win32–0–1Costa Rica Raúl Silva KO3(10)June 20, 1981Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win31–0–1Colombia José Cervantes KO3(15)December 13, 1980United States Miami Jai-Alai Fronton, Miami, Florida, USA Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win30–0–1United States Derrik Holmes TKO5(15)August 22, 1980United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Valley, USA Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win29–0–1Nigeria Eddie Ndukwu TKO4(12)April 27, 1980Puerto Rico Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win28–0–1Colombia Rubén Valdéz TKO6(15)February 3, 1980United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Valley, USA Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win27–0–1United States Nicky Pérez TKO5(15)October 26, 1979United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win26–0–1Panama Carlos Mendoza TKO10(15)September 28, 1979United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Valley, USA Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win25–0–1Nicaragua Julio Hernández TKO5(15)June 16, 1979Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win24–0–1Colombia Nelson Cruz Tamariz KO2(10)May 21, 1979United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA
Win23–0–1Colombia Néstor Carlos Jiménez KO5(15)March 9, 1979United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win22–0–1Mexico Carlos Zárate TKO5(15)October 28, 1978Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win21–0–1Dominican Republic Leonardo Cruz TKO13(15)September 9, 1978Puerto Rico Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win20–0–1Thailand Sakad Petchyindee TKO3(15)June 2, 1978Thailand Main Stadium, Korat, Thailand Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win19–0–1Mexico Juan Antonio López TKO7(15)April 8, 1978Puerto Rico Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamón, Puerto Rico Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win18–0–1Japan Royal Kobayashi KO3(15)January 19, 1978Japan Municipal Gymnasium, Kitakyūshū, Fukuoka, Japan Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win17–0–1Mexico Raúl Tirado TKO5(15)July 11, 1977Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Retained WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win16–0–1South Korea Dong-Kyun Yum KO12(15)May 21, 1977Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico Won WBC & Lineal Super Bantamweight titles
Win15–0–1United States John Meza KO2(10)February 12, 1977Puerto Rico Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Win14–0–1Mexico José Murillo Medel KO4(12)October 11, 1976Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win13–0–1United States Tony Rocha KO2(10)August 16, 1976Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win12–0–1United States Alberto Dávila TKO9(10)July 19, 1976Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win11–0–1Thailand Sak Lempthong TKO3(10)May 8, 1976Puerto Rico Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Win10–0–1Philippines Ric Quijano KO1(10)April 4, 1976Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win9–0–1Jamaica Cornell Hall KO3(8)February 20, 1976Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win8–0–1Puerto Rico Andres Hernández TKO8(10)December 20, 1975Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win7–0–1United States Joe Guevara TKO6(8)September 19, 1975Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico
Win6–0–1Nicaragua Cleo García KO3(8)August 2, 1975Nicaragua Roberto Clemente Stadium, Managua, Nicaragua
Win5–0–1Panama Jacinto Fuentes KO2(8)June 21, 1975Panama Gimnasio Nuevo Panama, Panama City, Panama Rematch of first fight
Win4–0–1Panama Jose Jiménez KO1(6)May 3, 1975Panama Gimnasio Nuevo Panama, Panama City, Panama
Win3–0–1Brazil Antonio Da Silva KO2(8)March 2, 1975Panama Gimnasio Nuevo Panama, Panama City, Panama
Win2–0–1Panama Jorge Bernal TKO1(8)February 15, 1975Panama Gimnasio Nuevo Panama, Panama City, Panama
Win1–0–1Mexico Mario Hernández TKO1(6)December 21, 1974Costa Rica Plaza de Toros El Zapote, San José, Costa Rica
Draw0–0–1Panama Jacinto Fuentes MD6November 16, 1974Panama Gimnasio Nuevo Panama, Panama City, Panama Gómez' professional debut.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Wilfredo Gomez". boxrec.com. BoxRec. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Wilfredo Gomez". ibhof.com. International Boxing Hall of Fame. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 No radicarán cargos contra exboxeador Wilfredo Gómez, El Nuevo Día (2015-04-18). Retrieved on 2017-07-14.
  4. ↑ Sánchez, José A. (November 25, 2012). "Entre leyendas Macho Camacho". El Nuevo Día.
  5. ↑ Eisele, Andrew (2003). "Ring Magazine's 100 Greatest Punchers". About.com. Retrieved 2017-12-15.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Michael Klimes (2007-05-16). "Wilfredo 'Bazooka' Gomez, Part 1". East Side Boxing. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
  7. 1 2 "Wilfredo Gomez". International Boxing Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on 2007-08-16. Retrieved 2007-09-16.
  8. ↑ George Diaz Smith (2005-03-01). "Boxing:RSR Looks Back at Former champion, Wilfredo Gomez". Ring Side Report. Archived from the original on 2007-08-23. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  9. ↑ "Wilfredo Gómez – Lineal Jr. Featherweight Champion". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  10. ↑ Sagat Petchyindee. Siamfightmag.com. Retrieved on 2017-07-14.
  11. ↑ Lee Groves (2007-02-28). "Vazquez-Marquez May Add to a Tremendous Tradition". Max Boxing. Archived from the original on 2007-11-09. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  12. 1 2 YouTube. YouTube. Retrieved on 2017-07-14.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Michael Klimes (2007-05-17). "Wilfredo 'Bazooka' Gomez, Part II". East Side Boxing. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  14. ↑ Andrés Pascual (2006-10-20). "El récord impresionante de Wilfredo Gómez en las 122 libras". Diario Las Americas. Archived from the original on 2007-11-08. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
  15. ↑ Nelson wins title. Nytimes.com (1984-12-10). Retrieved on 2017-07-14.
  16. ↑ "Wilfredo Gómez – Lineal Jr. Lightweight Champion". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  17. ↑ Gabriel Cordero (2006-11-01). "Los 50 años de Wilfredo Gómez" (in Spanish). Lo Mejor del Boxeo. Archived from the original on 2007-11-09. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
  18. ↑ Jason Gonzalez (2006-02-21). "Q&A: Wilfredo Gomez!". Fightnews.com. Archived from the original on 2007-11-09. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  19. ↑ Gustavo Ampudia (2003-05-18). "¡Mil gracias, mi Panamá!" (in Spanish). La Prensa. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  20. ↑ Robert Dominguez (2003-09-25). "A Boxer's Saga, Blow By Blow". The Puerto Rico Herald. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  21. ↑ "Bazooka: The Battles of Wilfredo Gómez". Internet Movie Data Base. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  22. ↑ Scoop Malinowski. "Boxing Legend Biofile: Wilfredo Gomez". Boxing Insider. Archived from the original on 2007-11-08. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
  23. ↑ VIOLENCIA DOMESTICA: – Archivo Digital de Noticias de Colombia y el Mundo desde 1.990. eltiempo.com (1994-06-22). Retrieved on 2017-07-14.
  24. ↑ SMASH-HIT GOMEZ FITS THE BILL. The Mirror. London, England. (February 12, 2000)
  25. ↑ Giudice, Christian (2016) A Fire Burns Within: The Miraculous Journey of Wilfredo 'Bazooka' Gomez. Pitch Publishing. ISBN 9781785311154.
  26. ↑ https://www.elnuevodia.com/deportes/boxeo/nota/hospitalizanalexboxeadorwilfredogomez-2423551/
  27. ↑ Salvador Sanchez. BoxRec. Retrieved on 2017-07-14.
  28. ↑ Mario Gonzalez. BoxRec. Retrieved on 2017-07-14.
  29. ↑ Eladio Santana. BoxRec. Retrieved on 2017-07-14.
Achievements
Preceded by
Dong-Kyun Yum		 Lineal Super Bantamweight Champion
May 21, 1977 – August 1981
Vacated		 Succeeded by
Israel Vazquez
Preceded by
Dong-Kyun Yum		 WBC Super Bantamweight Champion
May 21, 1977 – April 1983
Vacated		 Succeeded by
Jaime Garza
Preceded by
Juan Laporte		 WBC Featherweight Champion
March 31, 1984 – December 8, 1984		 Succeeded by
Azumah Nelson
Preceded by
Rocky Lockridge		 Lineal Junior Lightweight Champion
May 19, 1985 – May 24, 1986		 Succeeded by
Alfredo Layne
Preceded by
Rocky Lockridge		 WBA Junior Lightweight Champion
May 19, 1985 – May 24, 1986		 Succeeded by
Alfredo Layne
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