Media Workout with the “Contender” Star

Alfonso Gomez is gearing up as his September 17 marquee matchup versus Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez rapidly nears. Their main event at the Staples Center in L.A. will be for Canelo’s WBC Light Middlweight title. This bout will also be part of the historic dual-site event on the “Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

On Thursday, the Guadalajara-born boxer held a media workout at the Azteca Boxing Club in Bell, California.

In this sweltering sweatbox gym lined with photos of champions past and present, Gomez (23-4-2, 12 KOs) was in the ring for several rounds hitting the mitts and dodging workout sticks before finishing up on the speed bag. Weight is good and the training has been great the camp says as the days wind down till the big showdown. Sporting a new tattoo since his last fight, Gomez, 30, is ready to shine once again.

While he will be always known as “The Contender” fan favorite, the Southern California fighter has also built a successful career after beating the likes of Arturo Gatti, Jose Luis Castillo, Jesus Soto Karass, Peter Manfredo Jr., and many others.

His last fight was in May against Texas fighter Calvin Green. In this bout, Gomez scored a stunning second-round knockout and thus getting his name out there in continuing to establish himself a viable contender in the Top Rank stable. Earlier, he had been slated to face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a bout that never happened due to an elbow injury with Gomez.

With this torn ligament healed, now comes Canelo. But Gomez, a WBC Continental America Champion, knows he’s the so-called “underdog” in this battle. Not known as a “one-punch” knockout artist, the natural welterweight realizes the task ahead of him in squaring off against this wildly-popular new star in boxing.

Can he beat the favorite, the unbeaten and highly-regarded Saul “Canelo” Alvarez? And can Gomez win by a knockout?

The tough and talented Canelo, a 21-year-old redhead (37-0-1, 27 KOs), has quickly amassed a massive fan following and is on a trajectory for an even larger shot at superstardom.

On September 17, he will have to get through Gomez first. But Team Gomez believes a KO of Canelo is possible.

Alfonso’s trainers, his father Alfonso Gomez Sr. and Mario “Yuca” Morales believe Gomez can win.

Speaking with Gomez Sr., the team knows the deck may be stacked against them.

But Alfonso is a smart boxer who finds a way to win, and is the owner of a champion’s heart that will not quit.

And his dad says the camp has been fully preparing for battle.

“We can’t give the judges any chances to ‘steal’ the fight or give it a draw,” Gomez Sr. tells me as he ticks down a list of the pros and cons of their upcoming matchup. Well, it’s mostly the disadvantages which they clearly realize. “Don’t forget, we’re fighting Canelo, who’s with Golden Boy. We’re also on Televisa. We can’t leave it to the judges. So we want to get a knockout to get the win. It’s the only way.”

“So are you predicting a knockout?” I ask the Gomez patriarch.

Alfonso’s father nods before answering. “Yes, we have to knock him out. I am thinking in the seventh or eighth round.”

Son Alfonso agrees: “I don’t want to leave it to the judges. I really want to take this opportunity and shut ‘naysayers’ and really bring the fight to him–and win the rounds convincingly!” He goes on to say he’s not looking for the knockout, but if it comes it comes.

The prizefighter adds, “I understand the degree of this fight–and the magnitude and importance of this opportunity. I didn’t take any shortcuts in training.”

The Orange County-based pugilist tells me he has focused 100% for the war ahead and he is prepared, ready and motivated.

“Definitely, this is my toughest fight,” Gomez admits.

But in respect to his upcoming foe, Alfonso also acknowledges, “I’m facing a young, strong fighter who’s very motivated. He has a lot of confidence for what he’s accomplished at a young age.”

Facing Jalisco boxer Alvarez, their bout will be on a auspicious date in the calendar.

September 16 is Mexican Independence Day and Gomez wants to give a shout out to not only all of his Mexican fans–but fans in the U.S., Mexico and beyond. He’s got a large fan base worldwide and has always stayed in contact with his fans via social networks and more. Gomez definitely plans on putting on a great performance for his fans on September 17.

Until then, he will keep up his dedicated training. He’s on track with only a couple of pounds to go before making fight weight. As he finishes up his training at Azteca, the normally friendly and joking Gomez keeps his game face on, remaining serious and disciplined inside the ropes. Only after his workout is complete does he finally offer his trademark broad smile as the other boxers at the gym come by to greet him.

And he’s got good company at the Azteca Boxing Club. On this day while I observed Gomez working out, I also had the chance to catch up with many other champions and fighters at this City of Bell gym, which could really be called a “House of Champions.” Training in the prime real estate of gym space were champs Miguez Vazquez and Giovani Segura, and fighters Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr., Walter Sarnoi, Benjamin Diaz, Katarina De La Cruz and others were also hitting the bags and training.

Stay tuned to future columns for a special video interview with Alfonso Gomez, his stablemates predictions of the Alvarez–Gomez clash and additional photos from the day!

Photos by Michele Chong

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