Wilfredo Gomez, Puerto Rican boxing legend, dies aged 69

Puerto Rican boxing legend Wilfredo Gomez has passed away at the age of 69 following a period of declining health. Known by the nickname "Bazooka," Gomez was a three-division world champion who captured major belts at junior featherweight, featherweight, and junior lightweight. His family had recently reported severe health concerns, including neurological damage and respiratory difficulties leading up to his hospitalization and death.

Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995, Gomez finished his professional career with a record of 44 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, including 42 knockouts. His signature achievement was defending his WBC junior featherweight crown 17 consecutive times, featuring historic stoppage victories over Hall of Famers Carlos Zarate and Lupe Pintor during the peak of his career.