Legitimate Contender: Alfonso Gomez Proves He is a Fighter in Reality
By Mark Murray-August 6, 2007
www.ringsidereport.com

In a fight which many thought would become Arturo Gatti’s glorious homecoming bout, ultimately became Gatti’s dreadful nightmare as he was brutally destroyed by Alfonso Gomez getting knocked out in the seventh round, eventually leading to Gatti announcing his retirement.

Gomez, 17-3-2, 8 KO’s, simply dominated the bout from the first round on. Gomez was connecting with solid right hands to Gatti’s head the entire fight. He barely needed his jab for the fight, as he was landing left hooks to the body and right straights to the head basically at will. At no point did Gatti look as if he even had a chance during the fight. Gatti was being beaten down the entire seven rounds of the fight which ultimately lead to a vicious right hand that had Gatti crumble to the floor against the near by ropes.

"I knew from watching Gatti's fights with [Floyd] Mayweather and [Carlos] Baldomir that he eats right hands all night long," said Gomez. "I hurt him upstairs and downstairs. It was just a matter of time. I told everyone I was the stronger fighter. I wasn't even winded in the seventh round,” said Gomez.

“His original plan to box me wasn’t working, so within a few rounds he decided to bang with me. Gatti has good punching power, but he’s smaller, so when I saw he wasn’t hurting me, I went inside,” Gomez said. “Brawling didn’t work for him either. I was able to land punches while keeping him at bay and that was what got him in the end.”

Entering the fight many thought that Gatti would defeat Gomez, a fighter who has never been on a big of a stage as this, rather easily. Gatti also had a future super fight in the works against Julio Cesar Chavez, JR., had he won the fight. However it was Gomez’s night to shine and he can be the fighter who says that he sent the legendary warrior Arturo Gatti into retirement.

"A loss against me pretty much sends him into retirement," said Gomez, an admitted Gatti fan. "I hope he retires. I always admired him because of how he fought. Julio Cesar Chavez, Diego Corrales, may he rest in peace, and Gatti. I admired them all because of their heart,” said Gomez.

Gomez knew that fighting in Gatti’s hometown of Jersey City, New Jersey, the wisest style of fighting would be to end the fight early, rather than let the judges decide the bout.

"I was looking out of the corner of my eye to see if Micky Ward would step in and stop it," Gomez said. "He's his friend and he loves him, but they didn't stop it and I continued to throw punches. He was taking a lot of shots. It looked like the referee liked him and wouldn't stop it. I did my job,” said Gomez.

After the fight Gomez made it clear that he wanted to fight Julio Cesar Chavez, JR., in his next bout. "Chavez, JR., would be the best next opponent for me. I really want a crack at him," Gomez said. "Gatti was supposed to fight him, so why not me?"

“I think people would like to see Gomez-Chavez, JR., especially if it were to take place here in Los Angeles, where we both have a large following,” said Gomez.

Gomez also said he wanted to fight Chavez to prove who the best Mexican fighter in the world is. If Gomez was to fight Chavez he might have to move up from welterweight to light middleweight, the weight class which Chavez fights in. The victory over the legendary Gatti, 40-9, 31 KO’s, brings Gomez closer to a title shot and also has him mentioned with fighting some of the best welterweights in the world.

“Well I’m getting called at by world champions now, like Kermit [Cintron] and Paul Malignaggi, so that tells you that how high I’ve gone from yesterday to right now, now I’m known all over the boxing world and I’m getting closer to a world title shot,” said Gomez.

“Right now, I’m in a position where a lot of guys want to take a shot at me. I’m not calling anybody out, but I would like to face another up-and-comer who’s also looking for a world title and needs to be tested.”

Gomez is certainly not a stranger to moving up in weight to fight. As a popular member of “The Contender” season one Gomez, as a natural welterweight, moved up two weight classes, fighting in middleweight during the reality television show and succeeding. During the reality television series Gomez defeated Peter Manfredo, JR., and Jesse Brinkley. Currently Manfredo fights at the super middleweight weight class and Brinkley fights at the light heavyweight weight class.

Gomez ultimately lost to Manfredo in a rematch on the program but never the less it was still a successful run for Gomez and he certainly gained positive recognition from the television program. Gomez gained a great amount of respect for fighting boxers who were naturally larger than him and he certainly fights with a great amount of heart.

Gomez also has had solid competition aside from “The Contender” series opponents throughout his career. Aside from Gomez’s destruction of Gatti he has also defeated welterweight contender Jesse Feliciano in the past. Feliciano is fighting IBF Welterweight Champion Kermit Cintron for the title on Sept. 8.

Gomez is the first “Contender” fighter to achieve a marquee victory over a top level opponent. Fellow “Contender” fighter Peter Manfredo recently lost to WBO Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe on an HBO broadcast. Norberto Bravo was also recently knocked out by welterweight prospect Andre Berto.

The win not only catapults Gomez’s career but also finally puts some validity to “The Contender” reality boxing television program.

This division is way to tough for Gomez to win any significant title.

We have:

WBA
Miguel Cotto

WBC
Floyd Mayweather Jr.

IBF
Kermit Cintron

WBO
Paul Williams

The guys on the list above are pretty much all in their primes. They ain't going no where.

Sorry Alfonso but I do not see you holding any of the belts above in the year 2008.

I am not even sure he can take the belt away from the cry baby Cintron but that is his safest bet but I still don't see it happening. Honestly, someone is going to take Cintrons belt but it wont be Gomez.

For him to be world champ soon I think a move up to 154 would be the best plan of action for Alfonso. the champs a 154 are more beatable for Gomez.

WBC
Vernon Forrest: Would give Gomez troubles obviously but stylistly would look like a more competitive versio to Forrest-Baldomir.

IBF
Cory Spinks: Without a dought it would be Gomez chasing down Spinks the entire night, but as we saw from the Gatti fight Gomez can box coming forward.

WBA
Joachim Alcine: An unbeaten Canadian fighter that leans in and can be akward and hard to hit at times. From footage of Gomez at 154, it would be a competitive fight going eitherway.

WBO
Sergiy Dzinziruk: Dont know much about in other than the fact be is unbeaten.

Weather Gomez could be as sharp as he was at 147 at 154 is up in the air, but these champs seen for up Fonso's ally than the list above that SMF put.

J. O. catches up with Alfonso Gomez to find out why he can win a world title

http://www.eastsideboxing.com

30.08.07 - By Johnny Oakley: Alfonso Gomez lives for a challenge. ‘I’ll definitely be a world champion by next year’ beams an accommodating and expansive California resident. The trade winds have caught his sails of late, most notably with his efforts in dethroning former two-division ‘world’ titleholder and crown prince of pain, Arturo Gatti. Gomez is now a hot commercial property on network television and in the true spirit of his propensity to make an already demanding profession even more so; he has set his sights on becoming a world titlist by 2008. But it hasn’t always been this way..

Alfonso was born into the fledgling Gomez clan in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1980, and into the grip of abject poverty that consumed it. ‘I grew up in a lot of poverty’ confessed Gomez. ‘It was hard to find opportunities for my parents, and for us (Gomez has 2 brothers) in school, so that’s why we moved to America, when I was about 10.’ It was necessity rather than desire that prompted Alfonso’s first fistic encounters. Fighting did not come instinctively to the young Gomez, who suffered bullying as a Mexican immigrant in the US, with a mastery of the English language comparable to that of Pingu. ‘That was a long time ago. Kids bothering kids – I’d come from Mexico, and I didn’t speak any English – but the good thing is that I got into boxing. It was a new experience. I didn’t know boxing existed, I didn’t even know what a punching bag was, but ever since the first day, I enjoyed it.’

Gomez possessed talent that quickly surfaced. ‘I started having amateur fights after just a few months’ he declares proudly. Compiling an 80-10 record over almost ten years as an amateur, Gomez has genuine pedigree in the unpaid ranks. ‘I was amateur champion in the US, and in Mexico’ says Gomez. ‘I missed making the Olympics by one fight. I think I would have done great. Yeah, I was disappointed. It was my own fault; I was a little undisciplined back then. It was a hard lesson to learn.’ Promising Olympians often find their careers bankrolled by the courtship of promoters and network television. That door had closed. Gomez had to do it the hard way, but he’s Mexican, and it’s in his blood. The harder the road, the harder he runs. ‘It comes from inside me, its just something a boxer is born with. You can’t teach that sort of thing. When the heat is on, and you have to raise your game, you can’t teach that to someone who doesn’t have it.’

Borne out of the hardship he knew as a child was another truth fundamental to his success – the closeness of his family. ‘My parents sacrificed a lot for me, and my brothers. The sacrifices they made, I guess I compensate for. We try to be close together. If I’m making weight, when I have to diet they (his brothers) diet with me. When I can’t eat pizza, they stop eating pizza.’ Under no illusions as to the gravity of his family’s sacrifices, Gomez harbours dreams of paying it all back. ‘We’re all sacrifice right now, and when I’m through boxing we can start enjoying ourselves. It definitely makes me fight harder, always moving forward.’ The nuclear Gomez family has bred into Alfonso an atomic energy, harnessed by his father and trainer Alfonso senior. ‘My family is a big part of my success, particularly my father’ is Gomez’ concise assessment.

The pattern of tough beginnings that is Alfonso’s existence repeated, this time with his professional debut. ‘Most other fighters known right now have their records padded with OK fighters. As for myself, I started out fighting prospects. I was always the smaller guy, or I would go to their backyards, there was always something against me. It was tough, but the advantage is that I gained a lot of experience that way.’ In losing to Ishe Smith and splitting two fights with Jesse Feliciano in his first eight professional outings, Gomez suffered a more fraught baptism as a prizefighter than Oliver Cromwell did as Lord Protector. After only thirteen fights, Gomez entered the pioneering Contender tournament. Alfonso’s popularity soared, his boyish charm and underdog’s pluck easy to root for. ‘I always knew I would be somebody great, a famous person, somebody who had money. It was a shortcut for me. I have no doubt I would still be in the spotlight’ he claims. It is interesting that Gomez treats the Gatti encounter, and not the Contender as his breakthrough. It is too simplistic to dismiss Gomez a future champion on the grounds of his defeat to Peter Manfredo (after previously beating Manfredo in a previous round) on the television show. Gomez is still a relative novice, and if the Contender seemed like last chance saloon, Gomez was an underage drinker.

‘The Gatti fight was the sharpest, best performance in my professional career, because of the importance of the fight, and also my training regimen. My team did a great job with my nutrition, so that played a big part.’ Promising activity levels see Gomez face another wily old pro in just a few weeks time. ‘Oh I’ve definitely improved. On October 16th I’m fighting a great fighter in Ben Tackie. He’s been in with Kostya Tszyu and Ricky Hatton so he’s very experienced. I want to show how much better I’m getting and I’m ready for a name fighter in the division.’ Ghanaian Tackie is durable, extending both Tszyu and Hatton for the twelve round duration, and registered a gallant losing effort to promising Freddy Hernandez. Instilling confidence in a fighter is a prerequisite to develop their performance levels. Gomez is gifted with the innate confidence his rough emergence supplied. ‘I built up an amateur record of 80 wins and 10 losses. Also, fighting Ishe Smith and Jesse Feliciano gives me a lot of confidence now, because I have accomplished so much already.’

Gomez, though, aspires to much loftier designs. ‘I’ll definitely be a world champion by the end of the year (2008)’ he declares. Much copy was devoted to a possible face-off with undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and with Gomez known as the ‘executioner of the undefeated’ in the Mexican press during his early career, the assumption that it will eventually come to fruition is not without merit. Gomez certainly continues to pursue it. ‘Its definitely an attractive fight, and if its made then it will possibly be early next year.’ Gomez’ horizons however, remain typically broad. ‘He’s one of the recognised names, but the welterweight division is packed with great fighters. Then you have great light-welterweights like Hatton moving up and great junior middleweights like De La Hoya moving down.’ As an afterthought, he adds ‘so its not all about Chavez.’

It remains too soon to eulogise his performance against Gatti. Similar to over-ripe fruit in the grocery store, the expiring welcome of Arturo’s ripened countenance in the prize ring is evident. Gomez punished him mercilessly, although Gatti’s slowed reflexes did him few favours. I’ve seen people on fire move better. Although ageing fighters are a good litmus test for their younger counterparts, judgement instead should be reserved until Alfonso hunts down the name fighter his burgeoning reputation stalks. ‘I do see myself challenging them, I’ve got a style that will cause them problems.’ Williams seems to be the man off Gomez’ agenda for the time being. ‘The toughest for me would be Paul Williams. He’s a very good fighter, very tall, a southpaw, and he works hard. He throws over 100punches per round!’

The best is yet to come from Gomez. After only 22 bouts he’s no veteran and walking around at 26, his peak physical years may be just around the corner at 27th or 28th street. Although unpalatable to boxing connoisseurs, cooking in the alphabet soup are the options allowing Gomez to pursue a particular avenue offering the best opportunity to complete the return journey with a world title. As for the dream, ‘its becoming more real as the fights go on’ says Gomez, an admission perhaps that there are still fighters to come who aren’t transparent and can’t afford to be treated as such. Nevertheless, ‘When I do become world champion,’ he says, ‘I’ll definitely be one of the more popular champions.’ Certainly, that can’t be up for discussion.

Sugar Ray Leonard: Hey everyone, glad to be here!

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john (college station, home of The Texas A&M University): do you really ever see sergio mora being the headline of a ppv card?

Sugar Ray Leonard: Yes I do. I see that Sergio has improved each fight. Within the next year, he'll be in the top 10.


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Desmond: WEre you really named after Ray Charles?

Sugar Ray Leonard: Yes I was. Ray Charles was my mother's idol. She was a major fan, and that's why she named me after him. After I was eight years old, I realized I had no future in singing. I went to swinging!


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Big M (Atlanta): Sugar Ray - What is the top prize for Contender this season? 1 mil or $750 G? I have read conflicting stories.

Sugar Ray Leonard: Out of everyone that fights, the total purse is one million dollars.


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Mike (PA): Will Dancing with the Stars hurt Floyd Mayweather in his upcoming fight?

Sugar Ray Leonard: No, it won't. He's a professional, and knows that the big picture of fighting and beating Ricky Hatton is the main objective.


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Albert (San Francisco): Hey Sugar how are you? Which fight was the toughest of your career?

Sugar Ray Leonard: I'm great. My toughest fights were Tommy Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Benitez. Those were scheduled 15-round fights.


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Jason (OH): Do you ever play Fight Night round 3 and use yourself and beat the crap outta someone else....I know I would.

Sugar Ray Leonard: Yeah, I play myself and I kick butt. I kicked Johnny Gill and Eddie Murphy. Knocked both them out! They're big fans of boxing.


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?R?R?: Any chance of bringing some fights to the Bay Area? I know fans up here in Nor Cal are dying for a nice match up - I was excited when I heard Mora-Taylor could of happened at the Oakland arena, but then fell thru

Sugar Ray Leonard: I would love to bring an event to the Bay Area, because I know there are great fight fans there. Look out for it real soon.


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Big M (Atlanta): Have you ever gone into a fight injured - really injured - and to this day many people don't know about it? If so, what fight?

Sugar Ray Leonard: Unfortunately, my last two losses against Camacho and Terry Nores. But, you know, no excuses.


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Aaron (Richmond, VA): Do you still get the itch when you hear the opening bell at a fight?

Sugar Ray Leonard: No, thank God!


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Jason (Madison, WI): So you and Oscar are making about being ring girls eh?

Sugar Ray Leonard: Yes we did! September 15th, check it out, on HBO! My guys are Sergio Mora and Steve Forbes, and also keep an eye out for a not-so-good-looking girl walking around the ring with a card, that will be Oscar!


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Joe, WA: Hi Ray ! When you broadcasted Chavez-Taylor I in 1990 you thought it was a bad stoppage. 17 years later, do you think Richard Steele made the right decision?

Sugar Ray Leonard: In retrospect, I feel that referee Richard Steele did the right thing, but the only injustice was that unfortunately there were only about ten seconds left in that fight, in which Taylor would have won the title. But from Steele's perspective, he did what he felt what was in the best interest of the boxer.


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Big M (Atlanta): What was the deal b/t you and the Hawk? Why didn't you ever fight him? Did you have any run-ins at the amateur level?

Sugar Ray Leonard: We were friends, he lived with me for months. Naturally it would have been a big fight between the two of us. We started preliminary discussions about making the fight happen, but nothing ever materialized, unfortunately. That reason, I couldn't honestly tell you.


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Eddie Murphy (playing xbox): You never beat me! Quit lying to these people!

Sugar Ray Leonard: Yes I did! Do you want a rematch?

Sugar Ray Leonard: It's been great talking to everyone, and I'd love to chat down the road! Watch the Contender beginning September 4th on ESPN, Tuesdays at 10!

Buzzmaster: Next up is former Contender contestant and pro boxer Alfonso Gomez!

Buzzmaster: Keep sending in your questions for Alfonso!

Alfonso Gomez: Hi everyone, thanks for joining the chat!


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Rudy (Oakland): Alfonso - Who would you like to take on at 147? Plenty of rumors after the impressive win over Gatti

Alfonso Gomez: I would like to take on any of the top prospects, and there are some great ones out there, like Chavez Jr. Berto, Julio, and also, if those fights don't happen, we can go straight for the champions, but first I have to concentrate on the fight at hand!


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Aaron (Hartford): Alfonso, Out of all the season 1 cast, you, in most boxing critics eyes, have achieved the most success. After your fight with Tackie, do you hope of lining up a world title shot or do you think your still a few fights away?

Alfonso Gomez: I still think I'm a few fights away, but I don't doubt that next year I'll be holding a title belt around my waist.


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Jack ( Detroit ) : Hey Alfonso.....How has life changed since the show

Alfonso Gomez: For one, you're asking me a question in this chat, which is something I wouldn't have done before. Mostly, it's given me the exposure that every boxer dreams of. It landed me the Gatti fight, a legit fight with a legit question!


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Big M (Atlanta): Who were some of your influences in boxing? those that you were inspired by their fights/careers?

Alfonso Gomez: My all-time hero is Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. He's the one that pretty much, I looked to him and his style, his courage, and fights that millions of Mexicans followed.


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john (philadelphia, pa): Would you like to have a match against JC Chavez, Jr?

Alfonso Gomez: There's a lot of talks about fighting him, yeah. I'm sure he wants to be the next Mexican idol like his father was, but that's a dream that I had even before he started boxing, so the only way to determine who the next big mexican idol will be would be to fight one another, to see who can take the father's shoes.


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Big M (Atlanta): How do you think you will handle Tackie's tough, aggressive and come-forward style?

Alfonso Gomez: I think my good counterpunching skills and my ability to land the hook to the liver are gonna be big factors in this fight.


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lindy (NC): who do u got...hatton or pretty boy floyd?

Alfonso Gomez: I got Hatton. His pressure is gonna get to Mayweather.


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John (Sacramento, CA): When are you coming back to Sacramento? We loved watching you fight here last year!

Alfonso Gomez: There's no plans of coming back from Sacramento right now, but the Home Depot Center isn't too far away from it. You can come watch me beat Tackie on October 16th. I'd love to come back to my old hometown.


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thr great john l faribault: did gatti ever hurt you in your fight?

Alfonso Gomez: Gatti never hurt me. I did feel his pop, but he never hurt me. That's why I kept pressing forward.


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T.J. (Coffeyville Ks.): What is the best fight you have seen?

Alfonso Gomez: The best fight I've ever seen would be Ward-Gatti I and Corrales-Castillo.


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Jack ( Motor City ) : Hey Alfonso...been a big fan of yours since your show aired..Where are you currently ranked

Alfonso Gomez: I don't know what I'm ranked right now, but I can assure you that you will see my name in the top pound-for-pound rankings in the near future.


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craig(MD): this is what i do durin class...who do u think is the best pound for pound fighter in the world

Alfonso Gomez: Right now, I'd say Manny Pacquiao.


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Big M (Atlanta): Given all your experience and exposure, what advice would you like to leave for other young boxers coming up?

Alfonso Gomez: Just to never give up. In the end, if you truly believe you'll make it, it means you're training hard, sleeping early, and doing everything necessary to make it. You have to see it in your mind and believe it in your heart.

Alfonso Gomez: Thank you all for the support, and I hope some of you can make it to Home Depot Center October 16th. If you can't, tune in, you'll see two guys that don't know how to back up give an explosive performance!

GOMEZ: "I BELIEVE I COULD BEAT ZAB JUDAH ALSO!"
By Angel Colon | September 13, 2007
www.fighthype.com

Welterweight contender Alfonso Gomez spoke to FightHype.com about what his recent win over Arturo Gatti has done for his career and well as his upcoming clash with Ben Tackie. Check out what he had to say about his future plans and much more as the former Contender star is ready to take on some of the biggest names in the division.

AC: Hey Alfonso. First of all, I would to thank you for taking time out to do this interview.

AG: No problem. The pleasure is mine.

AC: Let me ask you, how has training been going for your upcoming fight with Ben Tackie?

AC: Training camp is great. I've been doing a lot of rounds sparring. Also, we're running and doing everything necessary. We know Ben Tackie is a tough opponent who's never been knocked out or knocked down so you know we're getting ready to fight ten rounds. He's going to be difficult to stop, like I've done in, I guess, my last 4 fights.

AC: And where are you training for this fight?

AG: For this fight, I'm training in La Habra, California. That is my home gym. That's pretty much the only gym I go to.

AC: So what would you say is your prediction for this fight? Are you looking to make a statement and knock him out?

AG: The victory is going to be there. I'm training hard for it, but definitely stopping Ben Tackie will prove that I'm ready for bigger and better fights. It will definitely make the doubters believe more in me because stopping Ben Tackie will be something great champions like Kostya Tszyu, who is a knockout artist, and Ricky Hatton were unable to do, so me doing that will definitely make a statement to the boxing world.

AC: Now obviously you recently had a great outing against Arturo Gatti. How was that experience for you Alfonso?

AG: Well I had a great experience. I had a great time in Atlantic City. The crowd, the fans are great and especially the Arturo Gatti Fans. At first, they were booing me and insulting me on the way to the ring, but I don't let those things get to my head. We trained hard for that fight, both physically and mentally. It showed that we were ready and it showed in the ring.

AC: Now during that fight, you hit him with some big shots and he tried to retaliate. Did it ever cross your mind that this is the Gatti of old and we're about to go to war?

AG: Yes, I was actually looking forward to it, to go toe-to-toe and make it a war. I guess he felt on the inside, I was stronger than him and he tried to keep it on the outside and try to win rounds by points, which I didn't feel he was doing. I was happy that in the 7th round, I got my second wind and was able to put more pressure and throw harder shots.

AC: Now after your fight with Gatti, do you feel you're finally getting the respect that you feel you deserve getting a win over a legitimate warrior like Arturo Gatti?

AG: Definitely more respect. This next fight right here, I'm looking to make a statement with Ben Tackie. You know, a lot of people were saying Gatti was going to knock me out and then when I stopped him, they were saying that you won because Gatti is not the same. So there's still doubters and this fight right here with Ben Tackie should put a statement out there to the non-believers and the boxing world that I'm not a reality star, but that I am a good boxer. I've been boxing for 17 years and I'm finally getting my big break.

AC: Not looking past Ben Tackie, but who are some of the fighters you would like to face? I know there have been talks of you facing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

AG: Right. There have been a lot of talks about fighting Chavez Jr. and I think that the Latino Community, which I think is the biggest boxing audience, would definitely look forward to that fight. I would look forward to that fight. Also, I saw Zab Judah fight the other day and in my mind, I believe I could beat Zab Judah also. So the names are out there. Not to mention more names, because the welterweight division right now is packed with the best fighters in the world. So you know, after the Ben Tackie fight, we're going to sit down and make the best fight for me and the fans.

AC: I know you were recently voted the most popular fighter from both Contender Season 1 and 2 by the fans, and you had a great win over Arturo Gatti which has given some respect amongst the boxing world. How do you compare the two? Do they go hand in hand?

AG: They definitely go hand in hand. First, with the Contender, I got the exposure that a lot of boxers look forward to. That's pretty much what gets your name out there and into a household name. So the contender gave me that. Now, after the Gatti fight, I got my name into the boxing world. So they go hand in hand. One gave me exposure, which because of it, the exposure and recognition is what got me the Gatti fight. Then, after beating him, that put a statement out there that maybe this guy isn't as easy as they imagined. So now, with this fight with Ben Tackie, who is a fighter that's been 12 rounds with the best of the best, hopefully stopping him will show that statement.

AC: Do you see yourself staying at 147 for the rest of your career?

AG: You know, welterweight is stacked with people. I'll probably stay at welterweight. That's the weight that I feel most strong at with my opponents. When I was fighting at middleweight on the Contender and jr. middleweight after, though I still felt the power and in great shape, you know, the fighters feel bigger and stronger than Arturo Gatti did and the previous 147lb oppents I fought before the Contender. So I feel most comfortable at welterweight and I'll probably stay there.

AC: I saw that you were a guest on Contender Season 3. How do you compare this season with the first 2 seasons?

AG: Well, the first season with NBC, it was more family oriented rather then sports oriented. In season 2, they tried to incorporate that same family feel, but more sports related since it's a sports channel. Now, with season 3, they've realized that since it's a sports channel, they've made it more of a sports theme in doing the Sparq test and by having the unedited fights for the big fight fans. They're able to see the full unedited fights on ESPN 2. So each time, the Contender is looking to please the boxing fans more.

AC: Is there anything else you'd like to say to your fans and those reading on FightHype.com?

AG: Well first of all, I would like to thank you for the interview, for taking the interest and the time. And also, to all my fans, thank you very much for the support. I plan on giving a spectacular performance and that's pretty much it.

BEYOND THE HYPE: GET TO KNOW ALFONSO S. GOMEZ
By Editor | September 10, 2007
www.fighthype.com

FightHype.com brings you closer to the fighters with this unique series. Go beyond the hype to find out what makes your favorite fighters tick. From their favorite foods to their favorite movies, you'll get an inside look at their life outside of the ring/cage. So without further ado, get to know welterweight contender Alfonso S. Gomez.

NAME: ALFONSO S. GOMEZ

ALIAS: RELENTLESS

WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER

Favorite movie(s)?

300, by far, and Moulin Rouge.

Favorite TV show(s)?

Lost, Heroes, CSI, Family Guy and King of Queens.

First car?

'98 Nissan Sentra. I got my first car when I was 22.

Celebrity crush?

Jessica Alba and Hayden Panettiere

Musical preference?

Hy3rid, My Chemical Romance, Tego Calderon

First job?

Sold donuts house to house when I was 14 to pay the rent.

Favorite animal?

I like dogs. I have a poodle, labrador retriever, pit bull, and my neighbor's dogs (a chihuahua, poodle and a maltese) come to my house all the time, so I guess I have six. And no, they are not neutered or spayed. I'm Mexican, we don't believe in that (unless totally necessary).

Favorite food/meal?

Chinese food and my girlfriend's elbow pasta salad (so good, I'm going to patent it and become rich by selling it)

Favorite junk food?

In-N-Out and Pizza Hut

Hobbies/Interests?

Making music and recording artists in my Home Recording Studio.

Childhood hero(es)?

El Gran Campeon Mexicano y Mundial Julio Cesar Chavez

Favorite fight(s)?

Chavez vs. Taylor, Marquez vs. Vaquez (both), Gatti vs. Ward (all three), Corrales vs. Castillo (bot)

Favorite fighter(s) to watch?

Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya

Pre-fight ritual?

None. Just don't talk to me. =)

If you could fight anyone in time, who would it be?

I would fight Sugar Ray Leonard to measure myself against one of the greatest.

If you were a superhero, which one would you be?

Wolverine or Superman

Greatest moment?

Beating Jesse Brinkley in the Contender Finale and beating Arturo Gatti by KO.

Most painful moment?

Can't remember. I'm the type of person who forgets those things.

Most embarrassing moment?

Not one in particular, but when you get caught in a lie, it's damn embarrassing.

If you weren't a fighter, what would you be doing?

I would be acting!

Bonus: Name something that most people don't know about you?

I'm always smiling, happy, easygoing, relaxed, friendly, and chillin', but when I get pissed off, I explode. There is no middle ground for me.

Alfonso Gomez Returns to the Ring: "I Am a Force to Be Reckoned With"
www.eastsideboxing.com

Los Angeles, Cal., Sept. 5, 2007 – Just three months after his knock-out victory over Arturo Gatti, Alfonso S. Gomez (17-3-2, 8 KO’s) will face off against boxing veteran Ben Tackie (29-7-1, 17 KOs). The welterweight bout headlines a Contender special event at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Cal., to be aired live October 16 on ESPN.

“Tackie’s a tough fighter who has been toe-to-toe against champions like Ricky Hatton and Kostya Tszyu,” Gomez said. “It seems as if he never gets tired, so I plan to be in top condition to beat him.”

Neither Gomez nor Tackie has been knocked out in their professional careers. Interestingly, Tackie’s last fight was a UD loss to Freddy Hernandez, whom Gomez beat as an amateur.

Training camp began three weeks ago, led by his father, Alfonso Gomez, Sr., and incorporating the same intensity, conditioning and sparring that prepared him for the Gatti fight.

Remaining at welterweight for the second time in a row makes preparation easier, according to Gomez.

“I felt really good in my last fight at welterweight,” Gomez said. “I felt stronger than my opponent, and I plan to stay at this weight.”

After two trips to the other guys’ backyards, both of which resulted in 7th round knockouts against his opponents, Gomez is excited to return to his home base for this fight.

“I went to their backyards and came out victorious, and now it’s my turn for a victory in my hometown,” Gomez said. “It’s an honor to fight in LA in front of my friends, family and local fans, many of whom haven’t had the opportunity to see me fight live.”

More than anything, however, Gomez looks forward to getting back in the ring to capitalize on his last great performance against Gatti and maintain the respect and standing that he earned from that fight.

“Champs are now calling me out, and this is my chance to show that Gatti wasn’t a fluke, and that I’m a legitimate fighter to be reckoned with,” Gomez said. “I will show the boxing world that Alfonso Gomez is here to stay.”

WAY tl/fwi...

but i dp like Alfonso Gomez though. hope he's succesful one day