Time to make a move... Juan Carlos Gomez the Heavyweight

By Ron Widelec

13.01 - When WBC cruiserweight champion Juan Carlos Gomez announced his decision to dive into the heavyweight ranks in early 2001, there wasn't a very large splash. In fact, there was almost no talk about it at all, except for those that had expressed some disappointment that Gomez never faced off with the other top rated cruiser, Vassily Jirov. However, some boxing fans and experts could not help but point out the comparisons between Gomez's move to heavyweight and Evander Holyfield's move years earlier. Although few think that Gomez was as good a cruiserweight as Holyfield, and it is unlikely that he will be as good a heavyweight, I could not help but notice the similarities and hope for that possibility.

As a cruiserweight he was undefeated and stopped most of his opponents before the final bell. He had a record of 32 wins with no losses. He had power, speed, and considerable skills. Physically, he was tall and fit, standing at 6'3. He and Vassily Jirov were considered the class of the division, and no one felt that either of these men could find a challenge under 191 pounds, except if they fought each other. For whatever reason, that fight was never made, and Gomez decided to make a move to higher weights, and follow the example of Evander Holyfield, who most consider to be the best cruiser of all time.

At this point the comparisons between Gomez and Holyfield seem to end. Holyfield quickly began to face off against top opposition. Although the heavyweight division of the late 80's was a bit weak, Holyfield faced the best possible opponents, beating several fringe and top contenders. After only two years Holyfield faced, and beat, Buster Douglas for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Gomez, on the other hand, has faced four unheralded opponents since moving to heavyweight, the best of which he faced in his first bout. He fought and beat Al Cole in five rounds by TKO. Al Cole is known as a tough journeyman, but has never been considered a contender. Then in his last three fights he has faced a line of no-name fighters. Granted, all three has decent records, but victories over these types of opponents won't raise any eyebrows.

Physically, Holyfield and Gomez have also taken different approaches. Holyfield chose to gain a small amount of weight, and depended on his speed and toughness to beat the larger opponents. To meet today's heavier heavyweight division, Gomez has "beefed" up. While Holyfield has fought between 210 and 220 pounds for most of his heavyweight career, Gomez has filled in to a fit 230 pounds or so.

Gomez has scored TKOs in all four of his bouts at heavyweight. He is ranked #8 by the WBC, based mainly on the fact that he was their cruiserweight champion. He has done little to try to position himself into a title shot against any of the three titleholders in the division, or any serious contender. Right now the heavyweight division is very open, and the time is ripe for Gomez to make a meaningful move to become an upper echelon fighter. Gomez has the skills, the power, and the size to become a real force in the division. Also, as a fighter of Cuban Heritage, he should have considerable marketability among the ever-increasing Hispanic fan base in America. The only thing he seems to be lacking is proper management and direction. Now is the time for Juan Carlos Gomez to make a move, and show the world what he is made of.

Any comments or questions? Email me at Beowolf88@aol.com