Wilfredo Gomez, a Puerto Rican boxing legend and former three-weight world champion, passed away on Saturday at the age of 69, according to former World Boxing Organization president Paco Valcarcel. Known by the nickname "Bazooka," Gomez had a distinguished career that spanned both amateur and professional ranks.

Gomez represented Puerto Rico as an Olympian in 1972 before achieving international recognition by winning a gold medal at the 1974 World Amateur Boxing Championships held in Havana. Following his amateur success, he transitioned swiftly to professional boxing, where he became renowned for his powerful punching ability and relentless style.

Over the course of his professional career, Gomez compiled a record of 44 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with an impressive 42 victories by knockout. He captured multiple world titles, securing belts in the super bantamweight and featherweight divisions under the World Boxing Council (WBC). Additionally, he held the super featherweight championship from the World Boxing Association (WBA).

Gomez’s contributions to the sport were formally recognized with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995, affirming his status as one of boxing’s greats. Throughout his career and afterward, he remained a prominent figure in Puerto Rico’s sporting history and inspired many in the boxing community worldwide.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death have not been disclosed publicly.