Overview
- The World Boxing Council and Gómez’s family confirmed he died on Saturday night, October 10, 2026, after about two weeks in hospital for respiratory complications.
- Gómez was a three-division world champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee known for 17 consecutive super bantamweight title defenses, every one by knockout.
- Reports from multiple outlets say he had suffered long-term health problems, including neurological damage linked to his years in the ring, but officials have not released a formal cause of death.
- Prominent boxing figures including WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán and former WBO president Paco Valcárcel issued public tributes, and the family has said funeral details will be announced.
- Gómez’s death both marks a major loss for Puerto Rico’s sporting community and is likely to renew attention to how boxing handles long-term care for retired fighters.