SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Wilfredo Gomez’s sister-in-law says the former world champion boxer has been hospitalized because of breathing problems.
Nydia Hernandez says the 56-year-old Gomez, widely considered to be the best Puerto Rican fighter in history, is under sedation in an intensive care unit.
Gomez was a three-time world champion with the WBA and WBC at super bantamweight, featherweight and junior lightweight. He retired for good in 1989 with a 44-3 record with one draw and 42 knockouts.
Nicknamed “Bazooka,” Gomez had a reputation for taking out opponents quickly, averaging less than four rounds a fight.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995, becoming only the fifth fighter to be elected in his first year of eligibility.
