Puerto Rican Boxing Legend Wilfredo Gómez Dies at 69

Puerto Rican boxing great Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez died at 69 after being hospitalized for two weeks with respiratory complications, his son confirmed. A three-division world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer, Gómez retired with a 44-3-1 record, including 42 knockouts. He made boxing history with 17 consecutive super bantamweight title defenses by knockout, highlighted by his 1978 victory over previously unbeaten Carlos Zárate, and later won titles at featherweight and super featherweight. His career helped define Puerto Rican boxing and cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most devastating punchers.