“Pitbull” Fights SATURDAY at the Sports Arena
There are some kids who just have “it.”
An extra dose of talent that pushes them to the next level and earns them that extra spark of attention in the ring.
As a top amateur star, the highly-decorated Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez racked up a boatload of championship belts, titles and trophies while fighting out of the mean streets of East L.A. Now pro, the slugger remains unbeaten with 13 victories and 10 knockouts as he continues his quest as a professional prizefighter. But the road to the top has been a bit of a rocky road as the now 20-year-old resumes his career after a brief hiatus earlier this year.
After a December 2011 victory, the junior welterweight did not lace up again until his initial comeback last month at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim, with a TKO win over Manuel Leyva.
And now the prospect will be back in action THIS Saturday, December 15 on the Amir Khan-Carlos Molina undercard at the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. The SoCal pug will be facing the more-experienced Pavel Miranda (17-8-1, 8 KOs) in this historic Showtime Boxing/CBS broadcast. There is also a special Fanfest and Holiday Toy Drive in conjunction with all the fights going down at the Sports Arena.
I reconnected with Frankie at the famed Wild Card Boxing Club, where the puncher sharpens his skills in the ring. Gomez recently has gone through many changes including switches in trainers and management, but the boxer says all is great–and he and his team are looking ahead to the future.
I have known Frankie since he was a young teen and it was good running into him at the gym where we had all gathered for a recent Manny Pacquiao workout (before his bout versus Juan Manuel Marquez). Gomez was also seen in an episode of HBO’s “24/7” as a sparring partner for Pacquiao and has no doubt increased his learning curve while working with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.
Frankie tells me he loves training with the legendary Roach and it’s an honor to work with the famed boxing coach.
“It’s been great training with Freddie!” he says. “I’ve been working hard and learning a lot of new things.”
In his corner are Roach, Frankie’s older brother Tony Gomez and strength and conditioning coach Marvin Somodio. Gomez says he’s been working harder than ever and had just finished mitt work with Somodio. He looked solid and strong; the team says 140 is their target weight.
Keeping his focus and aim on fighting, Gomez still has a lot to prove as he bounces back 
from this year’s personal problems. But he is just 20 years old and still maintains a large legion of fans in the Southland. As a youngster, he battled the rough L.A. neighborhoods while growing up with eight brothers and sisters. The gym was his salvation. Boxing offered him a way out–and a way to the top.
And Team Gomez will keep striving for the top. I ask Frankie who his dream opponents would be in the future?
“I don’t really want to mention any names right now,” the humble fighter tells me, “but I want to fight the best–all the world champions!”
And Frankie Gomez has one last word for his family, friends and fans.
“Thanks to everyone for their support. I’ve been training really hard,” Gomez states. “And I will keep fighting for a chance at a future title!”
Best of luck to the former amateur superstar as he continues on his journey in the pros.
Catch the “Pitbull” in action Saturday night.
Photos by Michele Chong
Tickets: 800-745-3000