Gomez inks with SRL Boxing/Team Freedom!
05.06 - Press Release: Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing and
Team Freedom have confirmed the signing of heavyweight
contender Juan Carlos Gomez to a long term promotional
agreement. Gomez will begin intensive training under
legendary trainer Angelo Dundee (who trained both Sugar
Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali) in the Miami area in preparation
for his HBO debut on August 16.
"I believe that Juan Carlos Gomez
has a tremendous opportunity to become the undisputed
heavyweight champion of the world, said Leonard. "His
talent and drive are extraordinary. He has great speed,
unmatched boxing ability and world-class power. With
Angelo Dundee in his corner, he is destined for greatness.
My entire organization is thrilled with this signing
and believe we have a true franchise player who can
do spectacular things in the heavyweight division, in
boxing and in the overall world of professional sports."
Trainer Dundee is also exciting about
working with Gomez. "This young man has re-energized
me," he said. "He has all of the tools to
become a truly great heavyweight."
Born in Havana, Cuba July 26th 1973, Gomez,
like many other boxing greats, began his career when
a schoolyard fight drew the attention of onlookers who
convinced him to take his skills to the neighborhood
boxing gym. As an amateur, Gomez had a record of 257-13,
defeating Wladimir Klitschko, Antonio Tarver and Ramon
Garbey along the way. In 1995, Gomez defected from Cuba
seeking political asylum in Germany while fighting for
the Cuban National Team.
Nicknamed The Black Panther
for his poise and tactical precision when attacking
his prey, Gomez began professionally as a cruiserweight
and proceeded to go undefeated, stopping almost every
opponent before the final bell. In just three years,
he captured the WBC cruiserweight title. He retained
his belt successfully in 10 defenses and achieved a
record of 32-0 before vacating his title to test his
skills in the heavyweight division.
Gomez, who is currently the only undefeated
top-ten heavyweight in the world, now resides in Miami
with his wife (who is expecting their first child),
which is why Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing and Team Freedom
chose Miami as the location to officially announce Gomez'
signing.
0 comments |