Puerto Rican boxing legend Gomez dies aged 69

Puerto Rican boxing legend and three-weight world champion Wilfredo 'Bazooka' Gomez has died at the age of 69. Former WBO president Paco Valcarcel confirmed his passing on Saturday, while the WBC stated that Gomez died following a two-week hospitalization due to respiratory complications. Gomez was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995 after finishing his career with a record of 44 wins and 42 knockouts across 48 fights.

Renowned as a heavy puncher, Gomez held world titles across the WBC super-bantamweight, WBC featherweight, and WBA super-featherweight divisions. His career highlights included a historic record of 17 consecutive knockout defenses of his super-bantamweight title and a famous stoppage victory against Carlos Zarate.