SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — The boxing world is mourning the death of Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez, the former world champion whose explosive performances made him one of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated sporting figures.
Gómez died on Saturday, October 10, 2026, according to reports confirmed by his son, Wilfredo Gómez Jr. The former champion had spent approximately two weeks in hospital with respiratory complications.
His death was also acknowledged by the World Boxing Council (WBC), which paid tribute to the fighter and recognised his lasting contribution to boxing.
Former World Boxing Organisation president Paco Valcárcel also announced the passing on social media, describing Gómez as his eternal champion.
Gómez leaves behind a professional record of 44 victories, three defeats and one draw, with 42 of his wins coming by knockout. His remarkable finishing ability earned him the nickname “Bazooka” and established his reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers of his generation.
Three-Division World Champion
Gómez won world championships in three weight divisions: super-bantamweight, featherweight and super-featherweight.
His greatest period of dominance came at super-bantamweight, where he captured the World Boxing Council title in 1977 and established a historic run of successful defences.
He recorded 17 consecutive successful title defences, all ending in knockout victories. The achievement remains one of the defining records of his career and helped secure his place among boxing’s outstanding champions.
His success extended beyond the super-bantamweight division. Gómez moved up in weight and defeated Juan Laporte in 1984 to win the WBC featherweight title.
He later captured the World Boxing Association super-featherweight crown by defeating American boxer Rocky Lockridge in 1985.
These achievements demonstrated his ability to compete successfully against different opponents and at higher weight divisions.
Memorable Victory Over Carlos Zarate
One of Gómez’s most celebrated victories came in October 1978, when he faced Mexican champion Carlos Zárate in a highly anticipated contest between two powerful fighters.
Zárate entered the fight unbeaten, but Gómez stopped him in the fifth round after knocking him down repeatedly.
The victory became a defining moment in Gómez’s career and added to his reputation as an exceptional knockout artist.
However, his career also included difficult encounters with other boxing greats. In 1981, he moved up to featherweight to challenge Salvador Sánchez for the WBC title but suffered an eighth-round stoppage defeat.
Gómez later lost to Azumah Nelson in 1984 while defending his featherweight ambitions. He subsequently moved up again and secured the WBA super-featherweight championship against Lockridge.
His career illustrated both the rewards and risks of challenging elite opponents across multiple weight divisions.
From Amateur Boxing To International Fame
Before establishing himself as a professional champion, Gómez represented Puerto Rico at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
He also won a gold medal at the inaugural World Amateur Boxing Championships in Havana, Cuba, in 1974.
His transition to professional boxing brought greater success, with his aggressive style and exceptional punching power quickly distinguishing him from his contemporaries.
Gómez was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995, recognising his achievements and influence on the sport.
His legacy is particularly significant in Puerto Rico, an island with a rich boxing tradition and a history of producing world champions.
Tributes Pour In
Following news of his death, boxing figures and organisations paid tribute to Gómez’s achievements.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán described him as one of the greatest fighters in the sport’s history and offered condolences to his family and supporters.
Valcárcel also remembered Gómez as a champion whose career had contributed to his own connection with the international boxing community.
The tributes reflect the standing Gómez maintained among boxing supporters and professionals long after his most successful years in the ring.
Details surrounding funeral arrangements were expected to be communicated by the family.
Gómez’s death marks the loss of a major figure in Puerto Rican sport. His three world titles, 42 knockout victories and historic run of championship defences will remain central to his legacy as one of boxing’s most feared and accomplished champions.
