Boxing Mourns the Death of Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez

The boxing world mourns Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez, a Puerto Rican legend who passed away at the age of 69. He had been hospitalized for several weeks and died due to respiratory complications. A three-time world champion in three different weight classes (super bantamweight, featherweight, and super featherweight), Gómez ended his career in 1989 with a record of 44 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw.

“The man who allowed me to join the great family of international boxing passed away a few hours ago. Rest in peace, my eternal champion,” said Paco Valcárcel, former president of the WBO.

This is the message from the World Boxing Council: “One of the greatest icons of this sport has left us. Wilfredo ‘Bazooka’ Gómez had an enormous impact even outside the ring, leaving an indelible mark on boxing and on his country, Puerto Rico.”

Considered one of the greatest punchers in boxing history, Gómez defended his WBC super bantamweight title 17 times, winning every time by knockout. In 1995, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.