The Kent kid has picked up the pace in the pro boxing ring.
Willie Gomez, 18, a senior at Kent-Meridian High School, is unbeaten after his first two fights, the latest a four-round majority decision against Hamilton Ash in a welterweight bout at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma on Sept. 7.
It was closely contested, with both fighters opening up early. But Gomez flashed more polished boxing skills to pull away in the end. Two judges gave the nod to the 141-pound Gomez, 40-36 and 39-37; a third judge saw it as a 38-38 draw.
“He was an older fighter (29) and much bigger,” said Gomez’s trainer, Keith Weir. “Overall, we used our speed and boxing abilities to win the match. … It was a good fight and good experience for him. The crowd loved it.”
Gomez thrilled the crowd, earning Fighter of the Night honors, by stopping Milwaukie, Ore.’s Ian King in just over one minute in his pro debut between 138-pounders at the Clackamas (Ore.) Armory on Aug. 3.
Next up for Gomez is a scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout against Steven Hellman, a young pro from Great Falls, Mont., at the Oct. 26 Fight Night, Fright Night Brawl Series 8 at Green River College presented by PNW Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Gomez, who has more than 50 amateur fights, turned pro earlier this year. He trains under Weir at the White Center PAL (Police Activities League) Gym in Seattle.
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Willie Gomez, right, and his opponent, Hamilton Ash, react after their four-round welterweight bout at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma on Sept. 7. Gomez won by majority decision. COURTESY PHOTO
