For most of his professional career, Frankie Gomez has presented boxing fans with an enigma. One hand we see a blue chip prospect and on the other hand, we see a guy who some might say, doesn’t treat the sport with seriousness.
Apparently, the Gomez conundrum might change. Sooner than you think.
Speaking with his world renowned trainer at the New York press conference for Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley III, Roach spilled to me, on a video posted on the ThaBoxingVoice’s Youtube page, who will be joining Manny’s training camp.
“Frankie Gomez is going to be one of the chief sparring partners and that’s not easy work”.
For all those who support Gomez, this comes as refreshing news.
“Pitbull” Gomez (19 – 0 13 KO’s), of East Los Angeles, was a decorated amateur, winning a silver medal at age 17 at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2009. Turning pro in 2010, “Pitbull” has reeled off 19 consecutive wins, but the hype surrounding Gomez has cooled recently due to weight fluctuations and reported poor attendance at the Wild Card Gym.
The issues with weight (Gomez started his career campaigning at 140, now fighting at “147”) has been ongoing and hit Gomez where it might hurt the most, in the wallet. Gomez was originally penciled in a showcase fight on HBO, on the Canelo Alvarez – James Kirkland co-feature, but tipped the scales 6 ½ pounds over contract, resulting in a cancelation and a lost opportunity. In October, Gomez came in 3 pounds over in a fight with Jorge Silva, though the fight did take place with Gomez winning a decision.
The tide might be turning of recent though as it Frankie has been at Wild Card training lately. He is scheduled to fight February 5th at the Fantasy Springs Casino on the popular “Golden Boy Live” series and then has some packing to do in the preparation for the Pacquiao excursion.
“He’s (Gomez) going to come to camp after February 5th and will be coming to the Philippines with me on the 6th”, says Roach.
Will Pacquiao’s influence have a difference on Gomez’s career trajectory? Will isolation on foreign soil allow Gomez to focus on the fight game?
I sure do hope so, although we been hearing negative recently, the “Pitbull” has a ton of talent and a great pedigree. I’d love to see him in the mix at 147.
“Frankie’s a tough kid” claims Roach. This we know. Let’s see if Frankie takes advantage of this new opportunity.
