Puerto Rican Boxing Great Gomez Dies at 69

Puerto Rican boxing legend Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez has died at the age of 69, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished punchers.

Gomez died on Saturday night, October 10, according to his son, Wilfredo Gomez Jr., who confirmed the news on television. The former champion had spent about two weeks in hospital with respiratory complications, the World Boxing Council (WBC) said. The family was expected to provide further details.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on October 29, 1956, Gomez became a world champion in three weight divisions: super-bantamweight, featherweight and super-featherweight.

His most remarkable achievement came at super-bantamweight, where he defended his WBC title 17 consecutive times, winning every defence by knockout. The feat remains one of boxing’s outstanding records and helped establish his reputation as a formidable finisher.

Gomez’s professional record stood at 44 wins, three defeats and one draw, with 42 victories by knockout. He began his professional career in 1974 after representing Puerto Rico at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

One of his most memorable performances came in 1978, when he stopped Mexican champion Carlos Zárate in the fifth round in San Juan. Zárate had entered the contest with an unbeaten record of 52 victories.

Gomez later moved up in weight to capture additional world titles. He won the WBC featherweight championship in 1984 and the WBA super-featherweight title in 1985.

His career also included difficult defeats against celebrated opponents, including Mexico’s Salvador Sánchez in 1981 and Ghanaian champion Azumah Nelson in 1984.

Despite those setbacks, Gomez remained a major figure in Puerto Rican sport and international boxing. His achievements earned him induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.

The WBC and former World Boxing Organisation president Paco Valcárcel were among those who paid tribute following his death.

Gomez, affectionately known as “Bazooka” and “El Niño de las Monjas,” is remembered for his knockout power, championship success and historic run of title defences. His death marks the loss of a celebrated figure in Puerto Rican boxing.