San Jose Showdown for NABO Belt
Alfonso Gomez is returning to the ring on Saturday, July 28 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The “The Contender” star and Hy3rid rapper will square off against unbeaten Shawn Porter on the undercard of the Robert Guerrero vs. Selcuk Aydin war.
For Gomez, this will be his first time back in the ring since his bout versus Canelo Alvarez last September. Alfonso was set to face Las Vegas boxer Jessie Vargas on May 5 but had to pull out due to a back injury. Fellow “Contender” alum Stevie Forbes stepped in for that fight against Vargas earlier this year.
But now a fully healed, ready-to-go and always game Gomez (23-5-2, 12 KOs) is hoping to add a victory after this weekend’s battle. Ohio’s Porter (19-0, 14 KOs) remains undefeated and will take on his toughest challenger thus far in SoCal’s Gomez, who trains with his father Alfonso Gomez Sr. out of the Azteca gym. Their clash, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be for the vacant NABO Welterweight belt and will air on Showtime Championship Boxing.
“I’m the toughest guy he’s ever faced. It’s a tough test that I know he will fail. I feel confident, strong and ready,” he stated at the press conference this week.
Besides being a prizefighter, the “Contender” fan favorite has also become known for his music endeavors (with brothers Robb and Zeuz), his own boxing website, and giving back to the community with his annual event in Pico Rivera. The pugilist is also a busy family man with two young children in daughter Heidi Luna and new baby son, Leon with wife, Dulce.
It’s a busy time for the boxer and one he welcomes.
In our recent interview at the Cleto Reyes Boxing bash in San Diego, a relaxed, funny and appreciative Gomez spoke about what the future held for him. He said, “I’m looking forward to the next opportunity and I’ll take full advantage of that.”
Having fought everyone from Canelo Alvarez to Miguel Cotto to Arturo Gatti to Jose Luis Castillo, Alfonso will continue fighting in the welterweight division. During our chat, he stated he’d love to take on the biggest names in the field and will aim for his chance at that. “The welterweight division is packed with so much talent, it’s like a buffet!” he laughed.
During the interview, he touched on subjects like the use of steroids by some in the sport, what he really thought of the Jessie Vargas–Stevie Forbes bout, his comments about Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley, and so much more.
At the time, Alfonso was hoping to lace up again this summer–and now his opportunity will come THIS weekend in San Jose.
“Showtime” Shawn Porter is a heralded slugger with a perfect record. Guadalajara’s Gomez, used to being the “underdog,” will have his chance to claim victory.
“We prepared well for this camp for Porter. We know he is capable. He reminds me of a young Shane Mosley and I’m sure he’ll have a great career like Mosley, but I have plans and he can’t derail me,” the Mexican warrior was quoted during the final presser.
Watch them in action Saturday night and check out this bonus video with Alfonso Gomez below!
Alfonso Gomez Video Interview:
Photos by Ray Flores
