Puerto Rican boxing legend Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez, a three-weight world champion renowned for his devastating punching power, has died aged 69.
Gomez, who won world titles at super-bantamweight, featherweight and super-featherweight, compiled an impressive professional record of 44 victories in 48 fights, with 42 of his wins coming by knockout.
His death was confirmed by former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) president Paco Valcarcel, who paid tribute to his compatriot in a social media post on Saturday.
“He passed away a few hours ago, the one to whom I owe having entered the great family of international boxing,” Valcarcel wrote.
“Rest in peace, my eternal champion Wilfredo ‘Bazooka’ Gomez.”
The World Boxing Council (WBC) also mourned the passing of the former champion, describing him as “one of the greatest icons in the history of the sport”.
According to the WBC, Gomez had been hospitalised for two weeks due to respiratory complications.
Gomez established himself as one of boxing’s most feared punchers during a career that featured memorable victories over some of the sport’s leading fighters.
Among his finest performances was his victory over Mexican knockout specialist Carlos Zarate in 1978. Gomez stopped Zarate in the fifth round in San Juan, Puerto Rico, defending his WBC super-bantamweight title and handing his opponent the first defeat of his professional career after 52 consecutive victories.
He also recorded notable wins against two-weight world champion Lupe Pintor, fellow Puerto Rican Juan Laporte and American Rocky Lockridge.
Gomez’s dominance at super-bantamweight was particularly remarkable. He successfully defended his world title 17 consecutive times, winning every defence by knockout, a record highlighted by the WBC in its tribute.
However, his career also featured painful defeats against two celebrated fighters during campaigns for the WBC featherweight title.
In 1981, Gomez was stopped by Mexican great Salvador Sanchez, while Ghanaian champion Azumah Nelson knocked him out in 1984.
Despite those setbacks, Gomez’s achievements across three weight divisions cemented his status as one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation.
His talent was evident from an early age. At just 15, he competed at the 1972 Olympic Games before winning gold at the inaugural World Amateur Championships in Cuba in 1974, aged 17.
His achievements were later recognised with induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.
In its tribute, the WBC described Gomez as a legendary figure whose influence extended beyond the ring, leaving an enduring mark on boxing and his native Puerto Rico.
His extraordinary knockout record, historic run of title defences and victories over elite opponents ensured that “Bazooka” Gomez would remain a celebrated name in the history of the sport.